The iconic Markt (town square) in Kerkrade – the home of ADJ Europe – recently witnessed a symphonic spectacle that blended music and light seamlessly, as The Maestro & the European Pop Orchestra hosted their annual open-air extravaganza. Utilizing more than 100 ADJ lighting products, the event, aptly named ‘The Maestro & the European Pop Orchestra Open Air Kerkrade 2023’, captured the hearts of attendees with a enchanting performance that intertwined contemporary pop melodies with the richness of classical compositions. Behind the scenes, XYMIO Event-techniek, founded in 1992 by the visionary Paul Pelen, orchestrated a technical marvel encompassing lighting, LED screens, and audio.
Guido Dieteren, known as ‘The Maestro’, is a famous orchestra leader, violin soloist, arranger, and composer from Limburg in The Netherlands. His European Pop Orchestra performs a fusion of classical and pop music, delivering a sound spectrum that ranges from delicate harmonies to powerful crescendos. Accommodating these nuances necessitated fixtures capable of seamless transition between dynamic and subdued lighting. The complexity of the setup was compounded by the need for extensive equipment hanging from the roof of the stage, which meant low weight fixtures were essential, compounded by the demand for exceptional color fidelity, light output, and stability for TV recording.
"Lighting an open-air event of this scale posed unique challenges,” explains Paul Pelen, Director of XYMIO. “The fusion of classical and pop genres demanded lighting versatility, with transitions from delicate harmonies to powerful crescendos. The technical demands were heightened by TV recording requirements and the presence of extensive rigging. ADJ's lighting solutions, specifically the Focus Profile, Focus Flex, and Encore LP32IP, emerged as the perfect answer.”
17 of ADJ’s Focus Profile LED-powered automated luminaires provided the backbone of the show’s lighting rig. Hung from angled flown trusses as well as positioned directly on the multilevel stage at various strategic locations, Lighting Designer Maurice Verbeek utilized the versatile fixture’s potent 420W LED engine to cut through the background color wash and create engaging aerial effects as well as sharp GOBO projections.
"We chose the Focus Profile for its ability to create stunning specials and projections,” elaborates Paul. “Its array of features – from profile blades and animation wheel to variable CTO and CMY color mixing – allowed us to craft dynamic visuals that resonated with the music. The impressive light output, combined with near-silent operation, was crucial for maintaining the audiovisual integrity during the live and recorded performance."
The fixture type deployed on the rig in the greatest quantity was ADJ’s Focus Flex, which XYMIO has recently invested in heavily, placing 60 pieces into its rental inventory. Lightning fast, packed with features, and extremely bright, this versatile moving head luminaire can create wash, beam, and pixel effects. Powered by an array of seven potent 40-Watt 4-in-1 RGBW color mixing LEDs positioned behind a precision-engineered lens assembly, the fixture offers a wide zoom range, with quick motorized movement, to allow for both wide washes and tight beam effects. Pairs of the fixtures, stacked vertically and positioned between strips of LED video panels, provided the backdrop to The Maestro & The European Pop Orchestra's performance, while lines of the fixtures rigged from the angled roof trusses filled the stage with vibrant colors.
"The Focus Flex, with its adaptability and lightweight design, was the ideal choice,” explains Paul. “Its expansive zoom range and potent LEDs facilitated seamless transitions between focused beams and broad washes. This flexibility, coupled with swift and noiseless movements, make it an invaluable asset for a diverse range of events."
In addition, a significant quantity of ADJ’s lime-infused Encore LP32IP LED wash panel fixtures were used to extend the colors of the stage out into the crowd which filled the Markt. This not only enhanced the atmosphere for the audience but also provided essential illumination to allow the TV crew to capture wide shots during the performance.
"For public lighting, the Encore LP32IP panels truly shone,” enthuses Paul. “With IP65 rating, high light output, and excellent CRI values, they seamlessly met the demands of TV recording. The inclusion of RGBL color mixing and interchangeable frost filters allowed us to tailor the lighting to different scenarios and distances.”
The impact of the ADJ lights extended beyond the technical aspect. Guido Dieteren himself expressed delight at the visual dimension enhancing both the beautiful market square and his orchestra. The lighting sequences seamlessly intertwined with the musical progression, crafting moments that ranged from intimate to grandiose. This remarkable experience provide a valuable insight for event technology professionals: the ability to fuse sound and light harmoniously is the key. Guido Dieteren's masterful orchestration and ADJ's innovative lighting solutions together underscore the synergy between art and technology.
Paul concludes: “In the realm of event technology, ADJ has emerged as a formidable contender. The initial skepticism gave way to astonishment, as recent product releases have demonstrated the perfect balance of professional quality and affordability.” This lighting ensemble, a synthesis of artistry and innovation, stands as a testament to ADJ's commitment to elevating visual storytelling.
Event
The Maestro & the European Pop Orchestra Open Air Kerkrade 2023
www.themaestro.nl
Lighting Vendor
XYMIO b.v.
www.xymio.nl
Lighting Designer
Maurice Verbeek
Photography
Paul Pelen
ADJ Gear List
56 x Focus Flex
17 x Focus Profile
32 x Encore LP32IP
