French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) Unveils Florence Gould Hall Renovation

The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF), New York's premiere French cultural center, is thrilled to unveil major renovations to Florence Gould Hall this Wednesday, September 28 with the opening performance of pioneering British theatre company Forced Entertainment's premiere of Tomorrow's Parties.

The play is part of the tenth anniversary celebration of Crossing the Line, FIAF's celebrated fall arts festival, which runs through November 3. Tickets to Tomorrow's Parties are priced at $15 to $20 and can be purchased at fiaf.org/ctl.

Following a major renovation and upgrade in 2012, FIAF is embarking on a new multi-stage project to upgrade Florence Gould Hall. With construction work currently complete in its first stage, the $1 million renovation, overseen by the engineering firm Pook, Diedmont and Ohl (PDO) began in June 2016. Artists working at Florence Gould Hall will now have greater flexibility with new motorized line sets, as well as state-of-the-art LED and moving light technology controlled by new dimming and control systems. A major highlight of the project is the much-needed renovation of the artist dressing rooms and backstage areas. New draperies within the auditorium contribute to the enhanced acoustics of the Hall.

"Although we were very happy with the seating and sightline renovation we were able to accomplish in 2012, we needed to update our backstage technology so that we can better facilitate the world-renowned artists that are making important debuts and premieres at FIAF" said Marie-Monique Steckel, FIAF's President. "We are grateful for the continued generosity of John Young and the Florence Gould Foundation, as well as key board members that are devoted to making FIAF a premiere destination for culture in New York City."

Named in honor of the late Mrs. Gould, a noted patron of the arts in both France and the United States, Florence Gould Hall first opened on April 6, 1988 with the American premiere of Jean Cocteau's comic ballet Les Mariés de la Tour Eiffel. Known for its pure and balanced acoustics, intimate atmosphere, and jewel-box theater décor, the concert hall was designed by Peter George Associates, who also designed the acoustics and lighting for the Joyce Theater, Merkin Concert Hall, and the opera house of the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Since it first opened, Florence Gould Hall has served as a vibrant venue for the performing arts, emphasizing collaboration among creative artists from not only France and the United States, but around the world. Florence Gould Hall has welcomed many luminaries including Marcel Marceau, Elie Wiesel, Fanny Ardant, Benjamin Millepied, Olivier Messaien, Angelina Jolie, Malala Yousafzai, Kate Winslet, Cate Blanchett, Nick Cave, Mathieu Amalric, Jérôme Bel, Michel Legrand, Jane Birkin, Peter Brook, Paul Auster, Marc Jacobs, Jeanne Moreau, Charlie Rose, Esperanza Spalding, Oscar de la Renta, Juliette Binoche, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Meryl Streep, among others.

With a Box Office entrance at 55 East 59th Street, Florence Gould Hall is situated between Park and Madison Avenues, one block from Central Park, in one of New York's most beautiful neighborhoods. Located below ground, the Hall remains open year-round, and, in addition to offering French cultural programs, also hosts many of New York's leading cultural, business, and media entities, including: The New Yorker, The New York Times: Times Talks, HBO, WNET/PBS, NBC Universal, The New York Theatre Ballet, Warner Bros., The Boston Consulting Group, and YAHOO Inc.

About Pook Diemont & Ohl, Inc, (PDO)

Established in 1982, Pook Diemont & Ohl, Inc, (PDO) specializes in the manufacture and installation of stage machinery systems for performance facilities worldwide. PDO is based in the South Bronx and employs a staff of 40.

PDO is an industry leading systems integrator providing stage rigging systems, drapery and track, stage & orchestra lifts and platforms, orchestra shells and custom control systems. PDO's services include engineering, budget planning, design and specification, project management, custom manufacturing, installation and safety inspections for Theatres, Broadcast Studios, Museums and Destination Retail .

Their marquee NYC clients include Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, BAM, NBC, ABC, FOX, New Whitney Museum, Park Avenue Armory, NY Historical Society, NYU Kimmel Center, Columbia University, UNIQLO HQ and Samsung's new HQ.

About FIAF

The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) is New York's premiere French cultural and language center. FIAF's mission is to create and offer New Yorkers innovative and unique programs in education and the arts that explore the evolving diversity and richness of French cultures. FIAF seeks to generate new ideas and promote cross cultural dialogue through partnerships and new platforms of expression. www.fiaf.org