Amongst a stage and ceiling filled with hundreds of lighting fixtures, the ParasolTM KLRTM (Kinetic Light Ring) system stood out as the centrepiece over the stage. The Parasol KLR system allows moving lights to move along a circular truss in any configuration at up to 60 inches per second. Stopping, starting, reversing, accelerating and moving to an operator-specified position are all controllable features, providing entirely new ways of creating art and spectacle with moving lights.
The system in Baku included three concentric rings - two of which were the KLR rings - all lit with Clay Paky Alpha Beam 1500s. The inner KLR ring was 10ft in diameter with 10 Alpha Beam 1500s and the second KLR ring was 16ft diameter with 16 Alpha Beam 1500s. A third 30ft diameter static ring comprised the outer circle. The rings were rigged with moving hoists allowing them to separate and lower. The KLR rings' independent and simultaneous motion over the stage added a new dimension, with a highly compelling, visual and dynamic effect.
Parasol technician John Johnson was on hand in Baku to oversee the setup and operation of the Parasol system. The movement of the KLR rings was controlled via Ethernet by Johnson from Parasol laptop controllers, while the control of the actual fixtures was handled by the lighting team on grandMA2 via wireless DMX.
The KLR truss was custom built by Xtreme Structures in Sulphur Springs, Texas and shipped to Baku. "The setup was very straightforward," said Johnson, "The arc segments bolted together easily and the electrical connections had been pre-arranged to comply with European standards."
Lighting designer Jerry Appelt said of the system, "The Parasol system was totally unique and very nice. It was used in the interval act and looked spectacular. We got a very positive reaction to the effect. It was very reliable and the Parasol support was great."
Parasol CEO Hermann Fruhm said, "It was incredible to be part of Eurovision. It has a long history and huge audience and people are constantly looking to it to see what new technological tricks are up the sleeves of the team behind it."
(Jim Evans)
