Hey Jude - China's oldest symphony orchestra played their first ever BBC Prom on Sunday, and after playing pieces by Rachmaninov and Mozart, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra launched into a raucous version of The Beatles' Hey Jude in a surprise encore. Conductor Long Yu encouraged Prommers to sing along, which they did, before giving the players a standing ovation. "We're very happy," said Yu. "Please accept our warm wish from Shanghai." The concert marked the end of the orchestra's 140th anniversary tour, which began in the US three weeks ago. Picture Post - Sir Elton John features on a new set of Royal Mail stamps to celebrate his contribution to music. The singer-songwriter is only the second individual music artist to be given such an honour, with David Bowie featuring in 2017. Eight of the Sir Elton stamps feature images of some of his most popular album co
Mexico - Mexican AV specialists Sound Systems Suppliers (S3) has invested in a Work Pro LightShark LS-1 DMX hardware lighting console in order to enhance workflow across a range of events including corporate launches, fashion shows and live concerts. Based in Mexico City, S3 has been offering specialist AV services to clients for more than 15 years. Its main customers include the Sendero Shopping Centre, F1 Management Malls, Phillip Morris and Universal Music. The company also supports touring musicians such as Izan Llunas, Yahir, Matisse, Coque Muñiz, Playa Limbo and many more. Company director Jorge Uriel Núñez Vega says: “Our core business is live show production and we offer our customers a complete solution that incorporates audio, video and lighting. Before buying a LightShark console we were using PC interfaces to co
UK - TSL has completed the rebrand of Basingstoke-based stage lighting equipment supplier Blinding Light to TSL Lighting following the latter’s acquisition in January 2018. Operating as TSL Basingstoke, the company will look after all lighting projects, whilst the rigging projects will be processed at TSL’s warehouse in Gatwick. The move has been described as “a milestone” in the expansion of the company, which is under the directorship of Sam Tamplin, Loz Wilcox and Dom Sheerman. Tamplin comments: “During the time that Blinding Light has been part of the TSL family, we’ve harmonised our processes to the point where the equipment preparation for all jobs, whether styled as TSL or Blinding Light, is identical, so the time feels right to remove any potential brand confusion for our customers. “Bringing the brands together as TSL Lighting will se
Mexico - Castelein Audiovisual Services of Mexico City has upgraded its audio equipment with the Bose Professional ShowMatch DeltaQ Array system. Castelein has more than 15 years’ experience in renting audio, video and lighting equipment to corporate events and live shows. The company’s clients range from top event planners, PR and promotion agencies, production companies to AV rental companies; it services small conferences as well as live shows in 1000-seat venues. The Bose system recently acquired by Castelein includes 16 ShowMatch line array modules, eight SMS118 subwoofers, suspension accessories, and four compatible Powersoft X4 amplifiers. With this ShowMatch DeltaQ system, Castelein can deliver the intelligibility and coverage that the voice of a presenter needs to get a message through, the audio clarity required to enhance the experience from a corporate
South Africa - DWR Distribution presented an exclusive demo of L-Acoustics’ L-ISA sound technology to over 100 representatives from rental companies and TV studios in Johannesburg. The system, which was used in South Africa for the first time during the live edition of The Voice South Africa 2019, was demo’d at the Mosaïek Teatro in Fairlands, where the TV show took place. The demo was presented by Tim McCall, regional sales manager and Tony Szabo, head of touring applications at L-Acoustics, along with Chris Pugh, technical support at DWR Distribution and Adriaan van der Walt, audio engineer at Multi-Media who specified L-ISA technology for The Voice. “I think it’s awesome that L-Acoustics have invested so much into South Africa,” comments Duncan Riley of DWR. “We are one of their smaller markets, yet they treat us no differently to th
UK - TSL Lighting’s major spring investment in fixtures and consoles has resulted in a busy summer festival season, with the new kit being used at Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds and the biggest European festival stages. A recent delivery of grandMA3 full-size and light consoles meant that no-compromise control could be supplied for British DJ and production duo CamelPhat at Reading & Leeds festivals at the end of August. “The MA3 is a new investment for us but one which we’re sure will become a real workhorse for the future,” says TSL senior project manager, James Davies. “We’ve set up our systems and networking infrastructure so that our lighting designers and operators can get used to the new control surfaces ready for the launch of the version 3 software. The Reading & Leeds shows looked great. Designer Sam Tozer and Operator Patrick Krause d
UK - The initial batch of 500 Aries AX1.5 - Absen’s newest mini-LED display - has sold out instantly, confirming the strong demand for 1.5mm fine pitch LED within the rental market. UK-based AV distributor PSCo was the first in Europe to invest in the product, with UK rental companies DB Pixelhouse, Onyx and Catalyst amongst the first to add the new product to their rental fleets. Absen’s Aries LED display series is aimed at professional rental companies for high-end corporate events, conferences, auto shows, e-gaming competitions and broadcast applications, and is the first such product to combine a 4-in-1 integrated pixel design and Common Cathode technology. Alex Couzins, head of brand and marketing for Absen Europe, comments: “We have really seen the demand for a 1.5mm fine pitch LED within the rental market kick off this year and we’re excited that PSCo is
Australia - Huddle Room Technology (HRT) has appointed Jands Australia as its new distribution partner for the Australian AV and ICT markets. HRT is the maker of Huddle Hub One, a multi-session wireless presentation system that supports up to seven concurrent sessions on the same hardware. Jands is showcasing the Huddle Hub One and One Plus at Integrate Show in Melbourne this week (27-29 August, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre). “Having a partner like Jands with their extensive experience in the Australian market is a big win for HRT,” comments Stefano Spattini, CEO for HRT. “We are greatly looking forward to working with such a respected and professional distribution partner.” “HRT's Huddle Hub is an impressive innovation that further complements our existing AV conferencing product portfolio,” adds Phil Muffet, national sales manager a
Motown Gold - Stevie Wonder's Superstition has topped the chart of the most popular Motown tracks of all time in the UK. The 1972 single beat classics by the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell and the Temptations. The list of the top 100 Motown tracks was compiled by the Official Chart Company based on all time downloads and streams. "I am proud to have been chosen at the top of such an incredibly talented group of artists," said Wonder. Overall the singer-songwriter legend had the most songs on the list with 20. His next most popular track was Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours), which came in at five. The Empire Strikes Back - A new campaign group has been set up to bring the at risk Garston Empire in Liverpool back into use as an entertainment venue. The building has been disused for 10 years and was placed on the Theatres Trust Theatres
The Netherlands - AED Display has recently enlarged its stock of ROE Visual LED products with further investment. Investing in a series of new products released by ROE Visual will ensure AED’s rental fleet is completely up-to-date to respond to market developments. “We constantly have to respond to changing market demands. Keeping up with new product releases is one of the strong features of AED Display, we scout developments and product releases of our suppliers on a regular base. When products make a successful entry in the market, we will see an increase in demand for these products at AED Display immediately,” comments Thierry Heldenbergh, managing director for AED Display. The total investment in ROE Visual products encompasses Black Marble BM4 LED floor, Diamond DM2.6 and Vanish V8. With this investment AED can boast to have the largest rental stock in Euro
Australia - Elation Professional has announced that ULA Group is the new exclusive distributor for Elation Professional products in Australia and New Zealand. Established in 1991, ULA Group provides lentertainment, architectural and LED digital lighting solutions to an extensive portfolio of clients across the region. “We understand the value in providing our clients with as many options and solutions as possible, therefore we sought an internationally recognized brand that was well respected and could cover a vast array of markets,” states Cuono (Con) Biviano, managing director of ULA Group. “As an acknowledged brand on international tour riders and an emerging standard in the major theatre market, Elation was a natural fit.” Elation director of sales & marketing, Eric Loader, adds: “A partnership with ULA was a logical step for us to move forward in th
UK - Time is running out for those wishing to take advantage of the free registration period for the 2019 PLASA Show, taking place 15-17 September at London Olympia. Visitor registration is free until Friday, 30 August (£12 thereafter). Organisers have also announced new additions to the seminar programme, which is covering various industry topics, from ground-breaking audio installations to safety and career advice, and practical training. In 'More than a venue', Royal Albert Hall’s head of technical Ollie Jeffery and Steve Jones of d&b audiotechnik will reveal the story behind the venue’s multi-million pound audio installation and its effect on the RAH and its many visitors (
UK - Martin Audio has reported sales growth following a series of product launches and an overseas expansion. The Buckinghamshire-based business has recorded a 22% increase in sales in its financial year 2017/18, growing from £16.5m to £20.1m. The company is now forecasting a further 20% increase in sales during 2019. Over the same period, Martin Audio has added a number of major global rental clients to its roster, including US-based Soundworks, Southard Audio and Twilight Audio which were part of efforts to consolidate the brand’s footprint in North America, where it is now established as a direct distributor. In addition, Jamaican brand Main Event Entertainment, and Dominican Republic-headquartered Group AR were also added joining the ranks of Martin Audio rental companies that manage tours, corporate events and major festivals including London’s British Summ
UK - Blackout, an immersive installation designed by Mig Burgess to raise mental health awareness, will be presented at the PLASA Show from 15-17 September at Olympia London. After an initial run at Guildford School of Acting earlier this year (see LSi June 2019), the project, which fuses cutting-edge technology, art, theatre and education, will visit the tradeshow as it gears up for a nationwide roll-out. Blackout aims to give visitors a rare insight into the mind of someone with bipolar II disorder by utilising light, sound, video and vibration, creating a sensory journey into the mind of a bipolar II patient who transitions through a hyper manic and manic low episode. The experience has been created for a s
UK - Lighting console manufacturer ChamSys is opening new headquarters in Southampton’s Brooklands Courtyard. The facility features a multi-line manufacturing centre, which will enable the company to build its MagicQ Stadium and MagicQ Compact consoles simultaneously. Also inside are storage and dispatch warehousing area, R&D facilities, service department and customer training area along with a dedicated repair centre, two training rooms, and a pre-visualisation suite for visiting programmers. Chamsys, which is celebrating 15 years in business this year, is officially opening the new HQ with an event on 2 September - contact the company on openhouse@chamsys.co.uk for details on how to attend. “The new headquarters reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest quality standards as we grow,” comments C
Germany - Active Blue, a Bremen-based service provider for lighting, sound and event technology, recently acquired several components of the Vio system, dBTechnologies' most powerful PA system. The Bremen-based company is using equipment from the Italian PA manufacturer dBTechnologies for the first time. The purchase includes 20 VIO L212, 20 S218 SUB and 20 L208 modules. Active Blue has been in operation for 30 years and since and is active Europe-wide. The company is increasingly active with corporate events and conferences, concerts, parties or cultural events. The aim of purchasing Vio components was to expand the stock of large PA systems and to respond even more flexibly to customer wishes. All equipment has to meet the highest standards. After extensive market research, they decided to take a closer look at the Vio system at the dBTechnologies stand during Prolig
Early Closing - Peter Pan, the opening production at the Troubadour White City Theatre in west London, will close nearly two months earlier than planned, producers have announced. Sally Cookson’s devised adaptation of the JM Barrie novel began performances at the theatre in July and will have played for just six of the scheduled 14 weeks when it closes on 1 September. A statement from the producers said: “The production received acclaim from critics and a hugely positive reaction from audiences, however due to ticket sales, we have reluctantly taken the decision to close in September. We’d like to thank our wonderfully talented cast and creative team for all of their hard work, as well as the audiences who have enjoyed the production.” The production is the first show to play at Troubadour White City, one of two new theatres that were launched last month
USA - Delicate Productions of Camarillo, California has taken delivery of a large stock of Ayrton Khamsin LED profile luminaires. “The Khamsins are our first Ayrton fixtures,” says Joe DiCarlo, director of operations at Delicate Productions. The investment came after an enquiry by the lighting director of rock band, Tool. “Lighting director, Mark ‘Junior’ Jacobson, a long-time client of ours for concert tours, was looking for an LED source profile fixture for the anticipated Tool tour. That started us on the path of exploring these types of fixtures. “Multiple manufacturers sent us demo units and we staged a shoot-out, with Brad Nelms at ACT Lighting supplying the Khamsin fixtures.” Khamsin stood out from the other fixtures for a number of reasons according to DiCarlo and Angelo Viacava, lighting operations at Delicate Productions. “Khamsin prom
Bahrain - Event design, technical and scenic production specialist Maestra Group has opened a base in Bahrain and announced a new partnership with the Ritz-Carlton resort and its 43,000sq.ft conference and exhibition facility. As the resort’s exclusive event partner, Maestra will oversee all technical aspects of the new Arena facility, which offers a full set-up and capacity for large banquet receptions and global conferences. Maestra’s Tom Clements comments: “We are extremely excited about this new venture and to be involved in such a high profile and incredibly well-designed event space. For Maestra Group, this is a logical expansion of our work in Dubai, and it will also be the first step in some strategic expansion plans for Maestra Group in the Middle East.” “As Bahrain becomes a global destination for premiere conferences and events in the region
Mexico - Adamson Systems Engineering has appointed Pro Audio Comercializadora, a division of Hermes Music, as its exclusive distributor for the Mexican market. “Pro Audio Comercializadora has been in the professional market for several decades, and in that time, we’ve watched Adamson become a market leader in terms of innovation, product performance, and brand profile,” comments Raul Carlos Uriegas, director of Pro Audio Comercializadora. “The development of their various patented and proprietary technologies over the years makes it clear Adamson is proud and passionate about the audio industry, and that’s exactly the kind of company we want to partner with.” Based in Mexico City, Pro Audio Comercializadora will work in close collaboration with Adamson’s Canadian headquarters to develop educational programming, provide client support, and propel further g
UK - The ALD has launched the ALD Awards for Excellence, a scheme aimed at students and recent graduates that replaces the annual Michael Northern Awards. The ALD says the new format “better reflects” the association’s growing representation and introduces a restructured prize fund, with three categories instead of four. Rory Beaton, head of the ALD’s Working Group for Awards, comments: “The awards have grown in stature and, like most things, need a firm foundation from which to grow further. With the consolidation of naming and prize structure, The ALD Awards for Excellence have a strong and flexible framework to shape them for the future.” The awards are now open for submissions to current students studying in the UK, recent graduates (2017-present)
UAE - The Protec Group’s Dubai branch has started investing in Robe moving lights, including BMFLs, Pointes, MegaPointes, Spikies and RoboSpot systems. The purchases have been spearheaded by Protec’s head of lighting, Aaron Russ. The company delivers full technical production solutions across entertainment, leisure and commercial sectors - from corporate presentations to music festivals - throughout the UAE, Middle East and UK / Europe. Russ explains that it was a case of the right product at the right time with Robe. Obviously, they had other moving lights in stock up until this point, but the first batch of 96 Pointes were sourced to replace a competitor beam light product, together with 48 Spikies on the same order. Then in 2018, for opening ceremony of the Qiddiya Theme Park in Riyadh, KSA with a design by US-based LD John Featherstone of Lightswitc
Costa Rica - Obsidian Control Systems has appointed Luces y Sistemas as its exclusive distributor in Costa Rica. Under the terms of the agreement, Luces y Sistemas will provide full support for the entire Obsidian line of hardware and software lighting control solutions. To introduce the brand to its customers, the San Jose-based company is holding a two-day Onyx training event on 20-21 August at its facility in Tibas, providing a basic and advanced look at hardware and software. Those interested in attending should contact info@lucesysistemas.com for more information. “Our goal is to provide our regional market with a diverse range of popular control and programming products under the DMX protocol, a project that we have been working on for years,” comments Luis Ricardo Sanchéz, president of Luces y Sistemas. “The decision to support our clients by di
UK - Theatres Trust, the national advisory public body for theatres, has confirmed programme details of its 2019 conference - Centre Stage - artist and audience at the heart of theatres to be held on Tuesday, 15 October at the Battersea Arts Centre in London. Conference 19: Centre Stage will look at theatres from the perspective of the people they are there to serve. It will ask how to ensure that the needs of artists and audiences sits at the centre of theatre buildings. Plenary speakers include celebrated sociologist and urbanist Professor Richard Sennett, who chairs Theatrum Mundi, a network of artists, critics and scholars who explore the relations between stage and street, Rebecca Holt, Battersea Arts Centre and the architect who worked on its recent restoration, Martin Lydon, Haworth Tompkins. David Micklem, 64 Million Artists, Hannah Fox, Derby Museums an
