Koerner Hall

Beautiful hall! I spent a lot of my childhood and youth here because I took piano lessons through the RCM; however, since graduating high school, I have not been back.
The new addition looks great! My aunt had tickets to a concert at Koerner Hall and offered me one. Seating is super comfortable with a nice cushion, place for your arms to rest and enough leg room (I broke my foot so I’m in a cast right now!). Acoustics are pretty good in the hall and you can’t go wrong sitting anywhere in the house. During intermission, I was flipping through the program and there seems to be a lot of great concerts held here. Can’t wait to return.
Good for: concerts, tourists, cultural activity

I love this hall. Brilliant acoustics. Gorgeous glass lobby overlooking a beautiful part of the city, including philosopher’s walk. Interesting music history and artefacts showcased around the lobby. Café spot on the first floor.
I have been to a handful of memorable world-​class concerts here and am so pleased that this lovely place exists in the centre of our city.
Tip: For a perfect winter date go for drinks and eats at the reliable Museum Tavern nearby before your show.

One of the best acoustics and interior décor you can find in Canada. The acoustics were engineered to provide the highest acoustic rating achievable, N1, making it an amazing place for any live performance. Gentleman, throw on a suit and bring your date here for a mature performance! You won’t be disappointed.
Ps. There isn’t much of a Foodie scene in that area. We’re takin about a date here aren’t we? For fancier options of course there is yorkville nearby. Alternatively look around summerhill and Rosedale. No looking awkward in your attire and have a relatively cheaper night out ;)

I love this hall! I’ve come here a few times so far and I can’t wait to go back. As previously mentioned, it’s a beautiful hall with fantastic acoustics.
If you’re into classical music you should definitely consider seeing a performance at Koerner Hall.
Also, last time I saw came here the attendants were given free champagne at the end of the performance! It was pretty swanky.

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.

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.

Koerner Hall is part of the Royal Conservatory of Music, and as such hosts a variety of different genres and styles of performance. I visited 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 is fantastic. As the performance begins you can immediately hear how clear and all-​encompassing the sound is in there. It’s killer. I need an excuse to go back 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: 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 I saw 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 guess I’m into some weird shit.
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[1] Learn:

I’ve spent a bit of time trying to decide who should get my 100^th 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.