The 16th century bridge was blown up in 1993 during bitter fighting in the Bosnian War between the City's Muslims and Croats. It's hoped the reopening will help encourage a new era of peace, tolerance and increased co-operation between the two ethnic communities. Over $13million has been spent on restoring the elegant single-arch structure spanning the Neretva River: the reconstruction has employed the same methods and materials as the original Turkish architects nearly 500 years ago.
The main stage measured 50m x 50m, and was located under the bridge itself. Both the stage and the bridge and buildings were lit with a combination of HMI spotlights, Pars, followspots, Clay Paky Golden Scan 3s and 4s, Stage Zooms, SGM Giotto Wash lights and Gallileos - all controlled by the maXims. One console was used for generic lighting control, one was connected to a DMX network to control all the moving fixtures, leaving one spare. Obviously, with the profile of the event, Masters Commerce needed to ensure they had the best equipment available, and specified LSC consoles for their "Excellent reliability".
They also chose LSC because of the highly stable performance of the LSC dimmers and the DMX data network. LSC's Alan Graham comments: "We're really proud to have been involved in such a high profile event. The Bosnian/Herzegovinian market is still developing, but LSC has already made its mark there, and we are looking forward to a steady increase in business. Events like the bridge re-opening will boost confidence and interest in the region."
Over 2,000 performers and artists participated in the Mostar Bridge Opening Ceremony jointly organised by state and local officials. Attendees included over 2000 VIPS (Prince Charles among them) seated in the immediate viewing area - including 650 international press and 50 delegations representing countries and institutions around the globe. Over 50,000 others watched from various parts of the town via several giant video screens.
(Lee Baldock)
