Brit is picked to retune New York Phil’s hall.. away from music?

The British architect Thomas Hetherwick is named as the lead partner in two firms that will redesign the former Avery Fisher Hall (now renamed for David Geffen’s $100m).

From the press release:

Heatherwick Studio and Diamond Schmitt Architects have been selected as the architecture team that will lead the renovation and reimagination of David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center’s largest concert hall, it was announced today by Katherine Farley, chairman of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and Oscar S. Schafer, chairman of the New York Philharmonic. This first-ever collaboration brings together two world-class, award-winning firms–collectively, they bring extensive experience designing innovative public spaces and specialized expertise in the design and execution of world-renowned performing arts halls.

But sound the alarm bells:

In addition to its primary purpose as the home for the New York Philharmonic, the new David Geffen Hall will be designed to facilitate a broader, ongoing array of community activities and events. Construction is expected to begin in 2019 at a preliminary estimated cost of $500 million.

Putting the orch on the back-burner?