ORCHESTRA CHAIR

Dedicated performer chairs

Since 1986

Blends seamlessly with the performance space

FC-701N

Upholstery: faux leather (MV-31)

Performer chairs

released to coincide with the opening of Suntory Hall.

The Orchestra Chair series was created in 1986 to coincide with the opening of Suntory Hall, the first dedicated concert hall in Tokyo. The Orchestra Chair series was designed to suit the needs of performers, with input from practicing performers.

In the nearly 40 years since, the Orchestra Chair has consistently been the popular choice of performers seeking a more comfortable performance environment.

Prior to the opening of Suntory Hall in 1986, there was no such thing as an orchestra chair, and performers were generally obliged to sit on ordinary stackable pipe frame chairs. As part of a campaign to position Suntory Hall as a world-renowned concert hall, Kotobuki Seating was asked to produce four prototypes of chairs specifically designed for orchestral performers. Performers from each section of the orchestra then tested the chairs out and provided feedback that was used to inform the current designs. Today, the Orchestra Chair is the popular choice of performers everywhere, with Suntory Hall constantly fielding inquiries from concert halls all around the world.

Performer chairs should be designed for maximum comfort and minimum fatigue. Given that Suntory Hall hosts over 350 performances every year, it is important for the chairs to be lightweight and easily transportable, while also durable.

A chair that's both comfortable for performers and durable enough to last ten years or more is not something that can be created overnight!

Shoji Uehara

Suntory Hall, stage manager (2001)

Photo courtesy of Suntory Hall and NHK Symphony Orchestra

https://www.kotobuki-seating.co.jp/en/contact/