Owned and funded by the city of Leiden, Gebr. de Nobel has been cleverly designed by architect Ector Hoogstadt to maximize every centimetre of usable space and ensure that it functions practically and efficiently as a bustling entertainment hub.
Controllux's lighting design was evolved with input from leading Dutch LD Nick van Balen, and has eight DLX Spots, 12 x LEDWash 300s, 18 x LEDBeam 100s and 10 CycFX 8s at its core in the main hall, plus 12 x LEDBeam 100s for the small hall, together with a selection of strobes and generics.
The new building replaces LVC, an older live music institution and vibrant hotbed of underground-orientated music and performance in the city for over 40 years. Whilst 'the venue' has definitely become more commercial with this move, at the essence of the development of the entire project was retaining the atmosphere and independence to offer a truly contemporary performance experience.
The establishment of Gebr. de Nobel has transformed the facilities and capabilities into that of a first class venue for hosting a line-up of the best local and international artists who can perform either in the 800 capacity main space or the 250 capacity Small Hall.
Gebr. de Nobel stages around 240 gigs a year encompassing all types of performance - dance, EDM, rock, theatre, festivals - including film - embracing all types of music, and with the vast majority of them using the in-house kit - and some augmenting the house top rig/s with their touring floor packages.
"Robe is a brand that is almost universally well-received when we send our specs out to incoming productions," says Bart, "you can also now find it most touring riders as a first or second choice of moving light."
As with any busy venue, the after sales support was a vital element in Controllux winning the supply contract, as was the reliability and reputation of the product.
(Jim Evans)
