Some small pipes had been been stolen by vandals but these were covered by insurance and BROACH was promised that if the hall was used for concerts the organ would be properly restored. On a Sunday in March 1977 musicians and public gathered in the church to hear the organ and other instruments played, in what everyone thought would be the first of many concerts.

The acoustics were perfect. Felix Aprahamium, writing on behalf of the Alexandra Palace Arts Society, stated:

'We know the sound of music in this building and assure you unhesitatingly that its acoustic ambience is ideal for concerts. --- The windows will need sound-proofing against noise from outside.'

Mr Keith Rose, ARIBA examined the building and reported:

'A relatively long reverberation time is always desirable for classical music and the results obtained in this survey confirm the statements by musicians who have tested the church that it is ideal for classical concerts.'

He considered that all windows should be triple glazed and the balcony used as a meeting or assembly area, with a glazed screen to the auditorium to reduce noise from the street.

Clearly the Church was an ideal size for chamber concerts, jazz concerts, piano and organ recitals, with an audience of 500 on the main floor. Hall design is a very sensitive art and this one was particularly successful as it created an intimate atmosphere in comfortable surroundings for quite a large audience. There were plenty of exits which needed only minor alterations to conform to the Fire Regulations. The building could also be used as a recording studio, with the equipment and controls.

Sketch of the proposed conversion of the church with the
balcony glazed in as a separate circulation space.

Andrew Golland, ARIBA, 1976.

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