THE ACOUSTICS AND RESTORATION OF “SALONE PEDROTTI” IN PESARO Patrizio Fausti (*), Angelo Farina (**), Roberto Pompoli (*) (*) Istituto di Ingegneria University of Ferrara Via Scandiana, 21 - Ferrara (Italy) (**) Dipartim. di Ingegneria Industriale University of Parma Via delle Scienze - Parma (Italy) SUMMARY This paper deals with the experimental results gathered in order to define the acoustic characteristics of the “Salone Pedrotti” in Pesaro, before its restoration. The hall is rectangular, with about 800 divided seats between the stalls and the two galleries. It is one of the few examples of shoe-box halls in Italy. To evaluate the acoustic characteristics of the hall, the main acoustic parameters in use today were measured at various points. The results of the measurements revealed values of the acoustic parameters which were very close to those considered optimal for halls of this size and use. From the results of the measurements, the great importance of the ceiling and the link between the top of the stage and the loft, comes out. The wall separating these two parts is formed by a light structure made of plaster and straw, unlike the heavy walls usually imposed by fire protection regulations. The ceiling is therefore not only a passive element of acoustic reflection, but also an active element, capable of radiating acoustic energy coming from the top of the stage. In view of the required restoration of the ceiling, further studies are being carried out in order to better understand the acoustic function of this element of the hall and to be able to give valuable advice regarding the necessary interventions to safeguard this acoustic function and at the same time strengthen the structure. DESCRIPTION OF THE THEATRE The “ Salone Pedrotti” is a concert hall located on the first floor of an extension of the 18 th century palace named “Oliveri-Machirelli”, which now hosts the Rossini Foundation. The theatre was inaugurated on 29 February 1892, in occasion of the centenary of Rossini’s birth, and was immediately considered to have very good acoustics. The hall has a rectangular shape, with two balconies inside: the first one is disposed only at the two sides of the hall about one metre above the stalls; the second one is disposed on the sides and rear about 6.5 metres above the stalls, and it is sustained by light steel columns. The total number of seats is divided into 391 stalls, 196 seats on the first balcony and 247 on the second balcony, giving a total of 834 seats. The armchairs in the stalls and on the first balcony are upholstered and tissue-covered, while those on the second balcony are in wood, with a thin cushion on the seat and on the back. The stage is elevated 1.2 m over the stalls floor, and occupies an area of 250 m 2 . It contains scenes made in large part of painted material, including the cover, while the back wall is covered with stratified wood panels up to height of 3m. The stage and the room are connected through a proscenium 13m wide and 11m tall, and the stage does not extend inside the room as it usually happens in other theatres. The room’s volume is nearly 7500 m 3 , the stage is 4000 m 3 . The total volume is therefore 11500 m 3 . No orchestra pit is present, making this room substantially different from most Italian theatres.