De Bijloke offers a diverse programme of high quality music, presented both in pure concert form and in new and unique combinations and conceptual formats. This covers a wide range of genres including classical and ancient music, jazz, and also incorporates other art forms. The venue produces over 100 concerts, recitals and performances a year and stages or receives another 80 plus shows and collaborative works. It attracts over 100,000 visitors and classical music lovers and aficionados annually.
The venue includes two renovated former civil hospitals, one dating back to the 13th century (the Concert Hall) and one to the 16th century (the Kraakhuis) - both converted into atmospheric performance spaces. Another very attractive 19th century building (keeping on the medical theme, formally an Institute of Anatomy) is utilised for offices, staff facilities and administration.
The Concert Hall and Kraakhuis (with capacities of 1000 and 240 respectively) have now been joined together - literally under one roof space that brings them indoors - by an elegant contemporary foyer. The steel pillars and vast glass spans of the new construction are an ideal juxtaposition to the original brick and arched window architecture of the hospitals.
With the shows and programmes run at Bijloke constantly increasing in profile, chief electrician Bart de Dobbeleer had been wanting to introduce moving light systems ever since he arrived there 18 months ago. At that point, the original lighting dating back to the 1990s was still in place, from when the Muziekcentrum started being developed as an on-going arts / performance project.
He discussed the idea of a new lighting system with Bijloke's general manager and director, Daan Bauwens, who agreed that the venue would benefit from some new cutting edge moving light technology.
The 22 Robin 600 LEDWashes and six Robin 600 Spots were delivered by the Belgian office of Robe's proactive Benelux distributor, Controllux, to locally based Ghent rental company, City Sounds.
Controllux's Bram de Clerck who co-ordinated the sale says, "It is a real achievement to have a classical and 'other' music venue of this stature investing in Robe, and a great reference for our products in this slightly different and specialised sector."
This is one of a number of recent installations in theatre and arts venues throughout Benelux, as Controllux continues to experience record sales of Robe.
(Jim Evans)
