However Verizon Hall is ultimately judged acoustically, Philadelphians already have much to be proud of.

The ambience and look of Verizon Hall are already in its favor.

The second structure, the 2,500-seat Verizon Hall, is the heart of the Kimmel.

New Yorkers may also feel a pang of envy upon visiting Philadelphia's new Verizon Hall.

But Verizon Hall is capable of adapting to musicians.

One reason Verizon Hall was designed to be adjustable was so that money-making amplified pop music events could be scheduled there as well.

Verizon Hall is, in essence, a hall within a hall.

At Verizon Hall the orchestral sound lacked comparable warmth and richness.

Verizon Hall, with 2,500 seats, is the main performance auditorium.

Verizon Hall opens on Friday with a gala variety show featuring the Philadelphia Orchestra only peripherally.