The NHS Hazak Luncheon and Program was held on Monday, December 13th at 12 noon. Elaine Hordes recited the HaMotzi blessing over bread, and everyone enjoyed the delicious lunch buffet. Sarah Barnard led the Birkat HaMazon, blessings after eating, and Elaine Hordes introduced Janelle Gelfand, former Music Critic for the Cincinnati Enquirer and now Music Blogger for WGUC.org.

Janelle gave us a short explanation of the science and art of acoustics and how the shape and materials used in concert halls affects the perception of sound quality. She passed around a book about acoustics, "How They Sound: CONCERT AND OPERA HALLS" by Leo Beranek. Some halls are theater or shoebox shaped, and some are vineyard style, with rows going all the way down to the stage. Some have a "thrust" stage jutting into the audience. Her presentation showed a variety of famous concert halls from all over the world. Then, she talked about the recent renovation of Music Hall and how the acoustics were affected.

Elaine Hordes recited the HaMotzi blessing over bread.

Everyone enjoyed a healthy lunch of tuna and egg salads.

Grace Lehrer and Marv Mandelbaum get beverages and desserts.

Henry and DIana Fenichel.

Pam Simowitz-Weber and Sarah Barnard.

Sarah Barnard led Birkat HaMazon, Grace after the Meal.

Elaine Hordes introduced Janelle Gelfand, former Music Critic for the Cincinnati Enquirer and now Music Blogger for WGUC.org.

Janelle spoke about the acoustics of concert halls around the world. In addition to having experienced many of these halls herself, she used a book, Concert and Opera Halls, by Leo Beranek, as a resource.

Jeff Bassin looked at the book, which was passed around.

How They Sound: CONCERT AND OPERA HALLS by Leo Beranek.

Musikverein, Vienna

Konzerthaus, Vienna

Liederhalle, Stuttgart

The newly remodeled Music Hall, Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati Symphony in the new Music Hall.

Janelle's new Blog on WGUC.org.

Elaine Hordes thanked Janelle for her presentation.