The renovation will focus on the hall's acoustics. "We get extremely frustrated performing here after playing in halls around the world that are so much better acoustically," said music director Zubin Mehta.

The renovation is intended to make the acoustics less "dry" and to distribute sound more evenly. The interior of the hall will be transformed from a wide "fan" configuration to a "shoebox" shape. In addition, the number of seats will be reduced and the restrooms and cafeterias will be overhauled.

The IPO also announced its plans for the 2005-06 season. Highlights include visits from conductors Christoph von Dohnšnyi and Kurt Masur, violinists Joshua Bell and Pinchas Zukerman, and baritone Thomas Quastoff.