André Rieu Tour, The Netherlands

The Opportunity

André Rieu needed a tour lighting solution that was compact, portable, low in weight, easy to enable quick transitions, and capable of creating a uniform field and dynamic effects.

The Solution

To meet these goals, Maurice Verbeek, lighting designer at André Rieu productions, used lights including MAC Encore Performance CLD and MAC Aura, supplied by Netherlands-based Fairlight. The set is entirely made up of intelligent lights and all moving lights are LED.

Martin MAC Encore CLDs are deployed as the orchestra’s key lights, offering a best-in-class size/weight/performance ratio. They are attached to pre-fabricated parts of the set, facilitating quick transitions between performances. The cutting-edge LED technology’s advanced colour mixing is ideal for illuminating the orchestra, and flicker-free refresh rates ensure that cameras can capture top quality footage.

For the orchestra’s backlight, Verbeek created five chandeliers, each incorporating 16 MAC Auras. The chandeliers are on wheels and thanks to the Aura’s compact, low weight design, can travel as one piece in the tour truck, helping to ensure fast transitions between venues.

Super-bright MAC Aura XBs are used as side lights, hanging at both high and low levels at the side of the stage, providing 6000 lumens output and rapid movement. For the tour’s outdoor events, such as Rieu’s annual Maastricht summer concerts, MAC Quantum Wash fixtures provide an impressive balance between colours and whites. Features such as smooth CMY colour mixing make it possible to illuminate large areas of the orchestra, stage and surrounding buildings in colour, creating an atmospheric experience for the live audience and cinema viewers alike.

The Impact

“The tour is getting better and better every year,” Maurice Verbeek, lighting designer at André Rieu productions says. “I personally think that we have the perfect tour set. I have the perfect products and the quickest, most silent and most flexible tour set. I’m really happy with it.” He adds, “the technical crew who work with the gear, doing the loading and unloading, are also really happy with the set as it’s all on wheels and the Encore is really light.”

Verbeek’s experience has helped him to realise the importance of orchestra key lights. “I notice a big difference with the Encore. I’m convinced it’s got the perfect flat field and colour temperature,” he explains.