Head lighting designer Mikhail Mekler chose an ETC Congo control system. "Congo has the ability to control conventional theatrical luminaires and modern, complex concert equipment," says Mekler. "This type of system configuration is especially important in musical theatre. That's why Congo is also used in St Petersburg theatres such as the Mariinsky. With Congo, you can control individual channels, responsible for - for example - worklights, director's board illumination and smoke machines, yet not affect the main lighting."
In the months since the Mikhailovsky's grand reopening, all lighting design for the current repertoire has been done solely on the Congo - more than 25 ballets and operas.
The Mikhailovsky Theatre also uses ETC Sensor+ dimming, making it the first St Petersburg venue to install the system. Mekler explains: "The Sensor+ system is comfortable and capable. You can add modules without any special tools, and since it's so compact, it takes up very little room. Because of that, we were able to better arrange our dimmer racks, freeing up extra space for the possible addition of new racks in the future. The main reason we chose Sensor+, however, was its big functionality."
The Mikhailovsky rig also employs more than 40 ETC Source Four 26° luminaires. "The Source Fours' bright, clear and white beams make it possible to project gobos of any complexity with great quality," says Mekler.
The Mikhailovsky is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, with an impressive schedule, including Cinderella, Le Sylphide, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, and Die Fledermaus.
(Jim Evans)
