Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 34 to 40. Recently, Carnegie Hall, the iconic concert venue in New York City, underwent its most significant restoration yet. This isn't the first time the hall has seen renovations, but this round was crucial in bringing back the original sound quality that made the hall legendary when it first opened its doors. The hall's history dates back to the late 1800s, thanks ...

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 34 to 40.

Recently, Carnegie Hall, the iconic concert venue in New York City, underwent its most significant restoration yet. This isn't the first time the hall has seen renovations, but this round was crucial in bringing back the original sound quality that made the hall legendary when it first opened its doors.

The hall's history dates back to the late 1800s, thanks to the funding of Andrew Carnegie, a prominent steel tycoon. Completed in 1891, Carnegie Hall quickly became a prestigious spot for performing arts, helping many talented musicians rise to fame. However, the journey wasn't always smooth. Over the years, various renovations ended up harming more than helping, especially during tough times like the Great Depression. To make ends meet, part of the hall was rented out to businesses, leading to significant changes like the replacement of its brick and terra cotta walls with windows for a coffee shop. The most damaging alteration came in 1946 during a film production, which involved cutting a large hole in the hall's dome, severely affecting its acoustics. Although attempts were made to cover the damage, the original sound quality was lost.

The turning point came in 1960 when violinist Isaac Stern stepped in to save Carnegie Hall from being demolished and replaced by an office building. Stern's efforts, along with public support, convinced the City of New York to purchase and preserve the hall. In the latest restoration effort, great care was taken to select materials that would enhance the hall's acoustics. The damaged dome was replaced, the exterior was returned to its original glory, and the coffee shop was removed, all contributing to a revival of Carnegie Hall's famed sound quality.

Today, Carnegie Hall not only sounds better than ever but also stands as a symbol of cultural preservation and artistic excellence, with a bright future ahead.