Hungary's National Concert Hall, designed with the feel of a Gothic cathedral, is located at the heart of the new Palace of Arts. The quality of the acoustics are guaranteed by the outstanding work of Russell Johnson, a top specialist who conducted well over fifty years of research in this field and participated in the construction of several top opera houses and concert halls. His work in Budapest was characterised by close cooperation with the architect, the contractor and leading Hungarian musicians. Johnson was full of praise for the finished project, telling the Wall Street Journal, “I would not be surprised if, in two or three years’ time, Hungarian musicians say this was the best concert hall in the world”. Indeed, almost from the moment of its inauguration, the concert hall was ranked among the top five in the world. Renowned musicians and artists have been adding their seals of approval ever since. “This concert hall is fantastic, inconceivably good; it has excellent acoustics. I was testing it all afternoon, enjoying its capacity; congratulations!” baritone Thomas Hampson said enthusiastically. The conductor of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra was equally effusive: “I can say that in the 25 years of my membership of the orchestra I have performed in all the famous concert halls with good acoustics in the world. This one ranks highly even among the best.”