Stage Electrics were awarded the technology installation contract, Jonathan Porter-Goff project managing the complete installation from the company's HQ in Bristol. "We installed the lighting infrastructure," he said. "But when it came to selecting the specific instruments that would be used, that decision was left to Martin Hunt the theatre's technical director."
Hunt chose carefully for his lighting selection, Selecon products featuring prominently. "Jonathan and his team have done a superb job," he said, "and I'm very grateful for their help and support. In selecting lights we've gone for the standards without trying to achieve something with the more exotic; Selecon provided many of the instruments, 2.5kW Arena's and Hi performance 1.2kWs in particular, of which we have more than 100 including some in the adjacent Studio Theatre. In selecting lamps I went for the best of their type, lamps that any visiting production will know and be happy to use."
A season by the Welsh National Opera opened on 18 February, with performances of La Traviata and Wozzeck running concurrently, followed by Cavalleria Rusticana Pagliacci. Thence a short break before returning with The Magic Flute and Rigoletto in May. "It's a busy start to our existence," concluded Hunt, "but I wouldn't have it any other way. Choosing the right equipment leaves me free to concentrate on the detail and intricacies of staging such events."
A full review of the WMC appears in the February issue of Lighting&Sound International magazine.
(Lee Baldock)
