Undeniable in its beauty and unparalleled in its force, Swan Lake is one of the most famous ballet productions ever written. Its delicate tale of loyalty, love and loss has a timeless quality that transcends borders of language, culture and tradition.
As the accredited audio supplier to the Royal Albert Hall, Sound By Design has had the pleasure of working with the English National Ballet’s production of Swan Lake since 1997 and is delighted to have been appointed as lead audio supplier once again.
Taking place at the Royal Albert Hall from 12th- 24th of June, Derek Deane’s celebrated production will be staged in-the-round of the auditorium as 120 performers flood the stage and send a collective shiver down each and every spine whilst Tchaikovsky’s famous symphony engulfs the theatre.
Swan Lake tells the story of Odette, a beautiful woman who has been turned into a swan by evil sorcerer Von Rothbart. One night – after spotting Odette in the woods, the handsome Prince Siegfried falls in love with her but before he can prove his love and break the sorcerers curse; Von Rothbart exerts his evil magic and tricks the young prince into swearing his love for another. A stirring and magical tale of love and betrayal ensues as Odette’s tragedy is played out by the misty lake.
We are thrilled to be working once again with the English National Ballet and its exceptionally talented choreographer; Derek Deane, whose interpretation of the 19th Century ballet delves deep into its emotions which delicately trickle out before cascading down. Illustrating the production is designer Peter Farmer and lighting director Howard Harrison, who have managed to transform the Royal Albert Hall into a deeply atmospheric, misty lake. Using dry ice to maximum effect, the stage will be engulfed in billowing mist, adding a further magical element to the show.
Performing Tchaikovsky’s iconic and dramatic score is the English National Ballet Orchestra who will be working directly with Sound By Design’s project manager and Senior Engineer Stephen Hughes. For this production, the company has drawn upon its extensive stock of EM Acoustics HALO-C loudspeakers for front-of-house audio. Working alongside Ed Kinsella of EM Acoustics, Systems Engineer Dave Shepherd and front-of-house engineer Phil Wright, the company wanted to take the audio capacity to a new sonic level.
Having previously used HALO-C on a number of recent projects, Sound By Design are confident of the system’s ability to create a transparent sound that simultaneously complements the intricacies of the classical score, whilst also delivering on power and presence. The PA comprises of 4 individual hangs of HALO-C (60 boxes in total) flown above the orchestra. MSE-218 sub-bass units and MSE-159 near field speakers are hidden behind the stage facade. Phil Wright, taking the reins at front-of-house is mixing on the DiGiCo SD8 from Loggia Box 19 at the rear of the stalls. Having worked on this spectacular production for over 16 years, Phil knows Tchaikovsky’s score back to front. From each delicate and sombre movement, to the rousing and iconic leitmotif, this score is a pleasure to work with.
Visually dynamic, the production takes place at a 360 degree angle offering a kaleidoscope spectacle meaning that no matter where you sit in the hall, the view remains spectacular. Sharing the leading roles of Prince Siegfried and Odette is Daria Klimentova and Vadim Muntagirov alongside the partnership of Tamara Rojo (artistic director of the English National Ballet) and Matthew Golding. Supported by 120 performers and 60 sublime swan-girls, the production is a mesmerising affair, charged with emotion and intensified by the score. Whether you are an admirer of ballet or not, this is a very special piece and one that Sound By Design is proud to be involved with.