The upgrades, outfitted by local company Brantley, will include permanent rigging points to fly the sound system, a line array speaker system that provides directional sound, stage draping to eliminate sound reflection and sound absorption panels throughout the venue, including the ceiling.

The upgrades will roll out over the next few months.

“War Memorial Auditorium was built at a time when there was not a lot of amplification devices available, so the walls and hard surfaces were designed acoustically and architecturally to carry the sound naturally,” War Memorial Auditorium COO Brent Hyams said. “With the new technology, we can augment the natural acoustics, amplify the sound and make sure that every corner of the room – from the balcony to the floor seats – provides an incredible concert experience.”