The acoustical optimisation of the Joseph-Keilberth-Saal, based on recommendations by the renowned Japanese acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota, began in the summer of 2007, during the orchestra's end-of-season break. The resonance of the lower strings in particular – cellos and double basses – needed improving, so first the structure supporting the orchestra platform was rebuilt, making it springier than before, and the platform itself was stripped of varnish, leaving a more acoustically transparent wooden surface, which reflects the orchestra’s sound less harshly.

Next, in the summer of 2008, risers of variable height were constructed out of American yellow cedar, matching in appearance and shape the existing risers which can be extended from the rear wall, so that the orchestra can now be seated in a stepped, semi-circular, arena-like configuration. Thanks to this stepped seating, sound is now reflected from higher up as well as laterally, so that not only can the players see each other better, the different sections and instruments can also be heard better. Another advantage of having the musicians sit much closer to each other than before is that, on the platform itself, players can distinguish individual orchestral parts better, while in the hall the audience receives a noticeably more homogeneous overall orchestral sound.

Finally, wooden cladding elements, filled with insulating material, were mounted on the rear wall: previously, its varnished surface occasionally allowed the brass and percussion to overpower other sections, but the new cladding reduces these excessive reflections.

Costing some €200,000, these improvements have won high praise from all quarters. They were made possible by the great generosity of the Foundation of Upper Franconia; and in addition to funds from the Orchestra's own budget, a notable contribution came from the Society of Friends of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra.