The Gewandhaus presents approximately 180 events each season, including 70 concerts by the Gewandhaus Orchestra. All told, ap ... proximately 600 events take place here during the season. The Great Hall provides amphitheatre-style seating for over 1,900 listeners. The centrepiece of the hall is the majestic organ built by Schuke of Potsdam with its four manuals, 89 ranks, three chime and cymbal stops and 6,638 pipes. The organ bears an inscription with the Gewandhaus motto "RES SEVERA VERUM GAUDIUM" (True pleasure is a serious business). These words have accompanied the orchestra since it moved into its first concert hall in 1781. Outstanding ensembles also appear regularly in the 498-seat Mendelssohn Hall. The hexagonal, wood-panelled hall is ideally suited for a wide range of events, such as conferences and congresses, in addition to musical performances. Variable seating, a sound studio, projection screens, flybars and interpreters' booths ensure maximum flexibility. Nearly half a million people visit the concert hall on Augustusplatz each year. In May 2005, the Gewandhaus welcomed its ten millionth guest since the building opened in 1981. read more