No "Cité de la Musique" in Geneva?
The people of Geneva voted against the planned "Cité de la Musique" by 50.8 percent. However, the canton has the final say
A glass complex near the United Nations is planned as a home for the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and the University of Music. The Cité concert hall would have 1580 seats. The building would cost CHF 300 million, with annual operating costs of CHF 3.5 million, financed by private individuals and the federal government.
An alliance of the Greens, the Left and the SVP formed against the project. The opposition was based on the costs, the loss of a manor house and trees that would have to make way for the Cité. Cultural workers also feared that classical music would be given preferential treatment. However, the State Council of the Canton of Geneva made the final decision on the project.
