Before the festival began, Company NA was on site to plan crew logistics, and to supply the lighting equipment from cables to control systems, to both the venues. Over 12,000 people gathered in the audience to listen to some of Latvia's famous rock and pop stars, plus rock band Time after Time. Lighting designer Maris Meness lit the stadium with six of the new Vari*Lite VL3000 spot luminaires, six VL3000 wash luminaires, 18 VL5 wash as well as 22 VL2000 spot luminaires. Conventional equipment included 32 Par 64 six-bars, 12 Par 64s with colour scrollers, eight 8-light DWE blinders, two Strong Super Trouper II followspots, two HES F-100 and two DF50 smoke machines, plus an MDG Atmosphere. It was all controlled by two Avolites Pearl consoles, and the crew chief for the event was Renars Haselshteins.
The final night saw the finale of the whole festival with arrangements of Latvian folksong, classical choral music, as well as newly composed works. Participants included mixed choirs of 9,000 singers, as well as dance groups and wind bands. Lighting designer Normunds Blasans lit this event with 24 VL3000 spot and 24 VL3000 wash luminaries. Conventionals included 36 Par 64 bars, 12 Par 64 12-lights with color scrollers, 24 Par 64s, 36 8-light DWE blinders with scrollers and eight without, as well as four Robert Juliat Cyrano HMI 2500 and two Robert Juliat Aramis HMI2500 followspots. Control was via a Wholehog III. The crew Chief for the event was Janis Urlovskis.
Aldis Janevics, managing director of Company NA, commented: "Our lighting designers, Normunds and Maris, were surprised with the light output of the new Series 3000 luminaires and were both pleased with the result of the shows." He continued: "The creative and production staff of this festival were also pleased with our company's services and lighting equipment. We were very pleased to be involved in this historic festival that means so much to our country."
(Lee Baldock)
