I had a great time at Severance Hall a couple weeks back, listening to a rendition of Les Escale, as well as Lang Lang perform in his usual flamboyant style.
Severance Hall's seating area is actually quite intimate. The lighting and architecture really recalls the days of big steel and the type of opulance that the roaring 20s possessed. The lighting coupled with the amazing resonance really knocked my socks off. During the first movement of Les Escale, I was really blown away by the sound of their string section moving so easily through the light hearted, playful passages. I really felt like I was sailing into gentle sunbeams under a moody summer sky.
The Hall is steeped in history... you can feel that the place is cared for.
I'm really looking forward to my next visit.