Over time, the opera house began to show signs of its age and was in need of a technological update. When Mayor Mauricio Macri gave the approval to move forward with the redesign, Teatro Colon turned to lighting designer Ernesto Diz who enlisted the help of Stage Tech SRL and Philips Entertainment for a complete lighting design renovation.
"Teatro Colon is one of the most celebrated buildings in all of Argentina," said Antonio Agra, CEO of Stage Tech SRL. "When we were contacted by Ernesto to supply the gear for the lighting system renovation we were honoured to become a part of Teatro Colon history."
Agra continued, "When you look at installing a complete lighting package for a building of the magnitude of Teatro Colon, you want to make sure that the products used have the same tradition of success. Philips Entertainment products have that tradition of success. Vari*Lite luminaires are the standard by which all automated luminaires are compared. Strand dimming products have been in the industry longer than any other and their silent IGBT dimmers were perfect for the acoustical challenges. And when looking at theatrical fixtures that deliver power and performance consistency, we had to go with Selecon luminaires."
In total, Stage Tech provided Diz with 48 Vari*Lite luminaires, 424 Selecon luminaires, and over 860 Strand Lighting dimmers.
"There was a tremendous amount of work that went into this project, but it was worth every moment," said Agra. "Being able to work with a talented designer in Ernesto to install a fantastic lighting system in one of the most important buildings in all of Argentina was a dream come true for both me and Stage Tech."
On 24 May 2010, Teatro Colon reopened its newly renovated doors with a gala concert and celebration.
(Jim Evans)
