Built in 1982, Hamer Hall was fully refurbished in 2013 which included a full technical upgrade and updating of the lighting rig, a project specified and overseen in part by Bernie Manchee, head of lighting. The whole rig was automated for the first time as they purchased 22 X Robe MMX spots and 10 LEDWash 600s among other fixtures.
These were the first moving lights to be installed across the Arts Centre Melbourne complex. The Robes were delivered by Australian distributor, the ULA Group, and helped replace a large rig of conventionals and 5Ks with a considerably greener and more cost efficient solution.
The lights are installed and programmed to provide additional support to a standard orchestral white light 'shell' for MSO rehearsals and performances plus those by guest orchestras, or they can be used for other artists as a full show and effects rig.
Supervisor Matt King and lighting specialist Trent Barclay undertake around 70% of the lighting design work for the shows staged there, with the other 30% bringing their own creatives.
"The Robes are very punchy and efficient, they do everything we ask of them and having them available has also substantially increased the show turnaround times."
They opted to have the wireless cards fitted into the LEDWash 600s , which are also frequently used as a 'house' floor package - it can be extremely quickly deployed which can add dynamics to any show.
(Jim Evans)
