NedPhO
The Dutch Philharmonic Orchestra | Dutch Chamber Orchestra (NedPhO | NKO) is based in the former “Majella Church’ in Amsterdam East, which since the move in 2012 bears the name NedPhO-Dome. This remarkable place makes this famous Orchestra the sole professional one in the Netherlands with its own well-equipped rehearsal location, and offers a cultural hotspot to this typical off-centre Amsterdam neighborhood. With durability and cost control as the main reasons, the wish arose to replace the orchestra/audience lighting comprising 64 pieces of 500 watt Par64 lamps with modern LED fixtures, resulting in a reduction of power consumption from 32,000 to 4,750 watts with improved performance and specifications.
Modern lights for classical orchestra
Ampco Flashlight Sales, GDS distributor for the Netherlands, received a request to work out a detailed system in which a central role was reserved for the brand, which is a specialist in audience and orchestra lighting.
Based on a 3D Dialux study provided by GDS, Project manager Hans Graafmans opted for the GDS 4-cell square fixture in white powder coated housing to fit the architecture and ambiance, resulting in an average 900 LUX output provided by 57 fixtures (well above the requirement of 800 lux) with the added benefit that the increased contrast of this type of fixture makes it easier for the musicians to read the music scores. The biggest gain, however, was achieved in the fields of power consumption and maintenance cost: return on investment will be reached after only four years, and after ten years the total savings adds to more than € 80,000.-, while drastically reducing environmental impact.
Hans adds: “The Dialux study already showed that we were on the right track in terms of output and coverage, and after we did several demos on site our system turned out to be a winner, especially after deputies of NedPho had visited other locations where we installed GDS systems, like The Vereeniging Concert Hall in Nijmegen”. A huge operational benefit of this installation is that the operation can be done via a wireless preset panel as well as be controlled by the resident lighting console. The set can be dimmed or turned off in several sections when the orchestra plays in smaller settings.
The right temperature
For the offices, with windows looking onto the vast rehearsal room, the new system also has an advantage, explains Hans; “Previously, the lighting was turned off when there were no rehearsals, due to the high power consumption, thus creating an unpleasant black void. Now the lighting can remain on a low level, creating a pleasant outlook into the rehearsal room.” Besides the NedPhO-Dome in Amsterdam, GDS installations in the Netherlands also include concert hall De Vereeniging in Nijmegen and the concert hall Hanzehof in Zutphen. Across the border they can be found in Paris, France. The orchestra is illuminated by the same fixtures at the Opera Bastille.
“Both musicians and audience profit from the advantages of this system,” says Hans. “It is the ideal combination of performance, durability, look & feel and brightness. In addition, the light of 3000K colour temperature plays an important role. This creates a ‘natural warmth’ in the light, and adds to the experience of both musicians and audience. ” The old lighting system was dismantled by Ampco Flashlight engineers in half a day, and the new system was mounted, connected and programmed the next day. First reactions by orchestra and audience were very positive, making this system truly a modern lighting system for a classical orchestra!
Contact
Direct contact? Bel 030-2414070 tijdens kantooruren of mail met sales@ampco-flashlight.nl
Arnoud de Leeuw
Key account manager
“A perfect modern solution for a classical orchestra”
