Naturally, the organisers were aware of the unique acoustics prior to the event, so they asked MultiTechnic to provide a sonic image that, according to Erik S. Landsem of the Oslo-based sound specialists, "would appear to be issuing not from the loudspeakers, but from the lake behind the stage-and in CD quality, too!" The fact that the strict noise control regulations enforced prohibited lengthy tests and soundchecks hardly made the task any easier.
The team from MultiTechnic employed a Dynacord Cobra-4 system to cover the performers-an orchestra of 30 musicians, a choir of 40 singers, and a cast of 100 actors-and positioned four Dynacord D12 cabinets at the end of the stage, which combined with the Cobra to create the desired illusion: a sonic image that "seemed to be coming from all sides," rather than the loudspeakers themselves. We managed to achieve a powerful orchestral sound in the open air!" recalls Landsem. The organisers and audiences both acknowledged that this was no mean feat: "After every single performance," Landsem adds, "the sound performance was the subject of fulsome praise."
(Chris Henry)
