As performance art forms have developed over the centuries, so too have the specialized buildings to house them. Functionally and acoustically, the special properties of a particular room type enhance the quality of a performance, raising artistic and production standards. Modern concert halls and opera houses are now very specialized buildings with special acoustical characteristics. Michael Barron explores these characteristics in his comprehensive book. In this second edition the author presents five new concert halls and provides the necessary supporting data to explain their properties and characteristics. The 2nd edition will be an important resource for architects, engineers and auditorium technicians.