Eighteen LEDWash 1200s, 10 x Pointes, eight DL4S Profiles and eight miniPointes later - together with 26 x LEDBeam 100s purchased a few months earlier from Robe's South African distributor, DWR - they have a dynamic and flexible lighting rig in place which is making a real difference to how they can light their popular worship session and other events.
The new technology is also a good fit with the tasteful and eye-catching proto-industrial design of the new building, complete with coffee shop, large atrium and a collection of bespoke designer artworks made from recycled engineering waste, all created by Senior Pastor Andre Olivier for the ministry's Life By Design platform.
Ed chose Robe for several reasons. They had enjoyed a great experience with some of the previous generation fixtures - ColorSpot and Wash 575, 1200 and 2500E ATs in their previous 1000 seater auditorium, which now provides a second venue at the site. In addition to this, he emphasised the "good price and great value for money".
They also needed lights with plenty of power and intensity to make an impact with a massive moving LED wall onstage which is also a major part of the new production design.
Ed and his technical crew collectively evolved the lighting design for the stage and room which includes circular trussing matching the contours of the space.
Regular lighting operator Francisa Gomes is one of those enjoying working with the new luminaires and design, "They are very easy to set up and use, the colours are well matched between the fixtures and the smooth movement is great."
In addition to the three Sunday worship services, the Rivers venue is used for a variety of other events including the monthly Sisters Meetings plus assorted conferences, so they are active every week of the year.
"Reliability is a key for any lighting," states Ed. "We didn't have any issues at all with the previous Robe installation, so that in itself was a big reason to stay with the brand. Added to that, the new fixtures offer huge scope for us to be creative."
(Jim Evans)
