Koerner Hall

5.0 star rating
4 reviews

Category: Music Venues  [Edit]

273 Bloor St W
Toronto, ON M5S 1W2
Neighbourhoods: University of Toronto, Downtown Core
(416) 408-0208
Price Range:
$$$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Music:
Live
Best Nights:
Fri, Thu
Happy Hour:
No
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
Yes
Noise Level:
Average
Good For Dancing:
No
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4 reviews in English

  • Review from Rosie S.

    East York, ON

    5.0 star rating
    5/7/2012

    WOW. WOW. WOW. WOW. WOW.

    (wows = stars)

    This is one of the city's most spectacular rooms for sure. The aesthetics are incredible, the acoustics are PERFECTION and the lobby spaces are unique and a very lovely tribute to both the history and the new growth of this space.

    The Globe and Mail calls it "The temple of tone." So true.

    You can rent it for events (various spaces), it offers performances open to the public, and it's also an educational institute. Nicely played.

    Stay classy, Koerner Hall.

  • Review from Laura C.

    • 80 friends
    • 719 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    4/7/2012

    I came here for a wedding, and as a guest , the venue was exquisite. It was modern and elegant without the prententiousness.

    The bride came down the balcony staircase, and the couple got married just on the overpass.

    The bar lines the entire wall, and on the south side is a long balcony that over looks Philosopher's walk. Floor to high ceiling glass windows light so much natural light in, although bring a sweater because it did get drafty at night. The room was crisp and clean, with lots of couches and high tables with clear chairs. The reception was cocktail and hor d'oeuvres and the casual lounge feel of the room really complimented the food.

    The staff was attentive, and cleared glasses in almost no time.

    They were even able to set up a decent sized dance floor (with great music).

    The couple did have to get a caterer. I had a great time, and recommend the place to a couple that want an intimate and casual yet elegant feel to their wedding.

  • Review from Vivek S.

    San Francisco, CA

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    3/28/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Koerner Hall is part of the Royal Conservatory of Music, and as such hosts a variety of different genres and styles of performance. I came here for a WILD performance honouring the work of John Cage[1] and I was blown away by the splendour of this perfomance hall and the quality of sound within.

    You might have trouble finding the place. Koerner Hall is located on the south side of Bloor street between Queen's Park and Bedford Rd. It's right beside the ROM. Just look for a sign that reads "Telus Centre" and you're golden. Once inside you'll appreciate the mix of modern and collegiate gothic architecture. The glass-enclosed lobby is pretty dope as well.

    The hall itself is long and not too wide. There are two balconies and the seating seems to encircle the entire hall. I was seated on the orchestra level and the view was fantastic. As the performance began you could immediately hear how clear and all-encompassing the sound was in here. It's killer. I need an excuse to come back here again.

    Obligatory Title Pun: Lend an EAR to this KOERN.

    Menu Readability: Not applicable in this case, because this isn't a restaurant.

    Need to mention: OK, so the performance I came to see was insane. If you're familar with John Cage you have a headstart, but for the uninitiated: Cage specialized in aleatory or "chance" music. His untraditional compositions often use unconventional notation and give the performers rough guidelines how to perform the piece. Often, the listener is asked to participate and contribute. There is a lot of improvisation and sometimes cacophony, but that's kind of the point. Long story short, at one point during the performance the entire audience was calling up people on their cellphones and asking people to sing on speakerphone while a man on stage was literally shaving his face with an electric razor into a microphone.

    What this place teaches me about myself: I'm into some weird shit.

    _____
    [1] Learn: http://en.wikipedia.or...

  • Review from Tony F.

    North York, ON

    5.0 star rating
    11/10/2010 6 photos

    I've spent a bit of time trying to decide who should get my 100th review, and it has to be this hidden gem of a venue, Koerner Hall.

    "Koerner Hall is an 1,135 seat venue designed in the tradition of the classic "shoebox" venues of Europe.  With its layered ribbon of wood forming a floating ceiling canopy, integrating an acoustic reflector, performance lighting and technical bridges, Koerner Hall provides a dramatic yet intimate ambiance between the audience and performers. The spectacular balconies offer an extraordinary view of the city while the glass lobbies welcome guests to Koerner Hall."

    It's quickly become one of my favourite buildings and music venues in Toronto.  I'm very particular when it comes to acoustics, and figure there's a reason the "shoebox" design has worked for hundreds of generations.  I love the feeling of being outdoors even when you're in outer halls.  It's appropriately tacked right next to Royal Conservatory of Music building, and is worth visiting just to see the place.

    I'm amazed how few Torontonians even know of this place, and everyone I've brought here agreed with my sentiments.

    If Koerner Hall was a lady, well I'd offer her a drink first and see where we'd go from there.

    Bravo RCM.. Bravo.

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