A redesigned concert hall in the Music Building was unveiled this fall, after a $6.4 million renovation project to create a more intimate performance space, enhance acoustics and install state-of-the-art equipment.

Formerly known as the Concert Hall, the space was renamed The Paul Voertman Concert Hall in honor of the Denton philanthropist and owner of Voertman’s Book Store and Gift Shop. Voertman previously dedicated $1.5 million to build the Ardoin-Voertman organ in the Murchison Performing Arts Center.

The hall was formally inaugurated in a three-part concert series in November, which included music by artist-in-residence Jake Heggie. The Concert Hall served as the major performance space for the College of Music until the 1999 opening of the 1,025-seat Winspear Performance Hall. Now the new Voertman Hall will seat 380 and will be used for faculty and student recitals, chamber music and smaller ensemble concerts. The renovation project, which began in the spring, included upgraded mechanical systems, multi-layered walls for sound isolation, control booth, ticket booth, Green Room, new restrooms, updated lighting and a TV monitor in the lobby. Two acoustical “clouds” on the ceiling adjust to fit the needs of each performance.