Howard Assembly Room

This venue for music is separate from, but to be found inside, the Leeds Grand Theatre. Whilst this theatre, the bars and décor feel a bit stuffy and pretentious with the red velvet seats and staff in waist coats, The Howard Assembly rooms is a more contemporary space. It sits about 300 people and has great acoustics with its tall ceiling.
The artist Janet Cardiff’s piece ‘The Forty Part Motet’ was placed in this space for a few weeks earlier this year. It is a sound sculpture, perfectly placed in this venue to allow full appreciation of it. They hold classical concerts and pop music gigs. Recently I went to see the folk singer Vashti Bunyan who sounded just lovely! I thought it would be strange sitting down for a gig but her music was so relaxing I might have fallen over if I didn’t have a chair!