Across one weekend in June, Red Bull Symphonic took over The Montecasino Teatro, Johannesburg, with a powerful blend of orchestral compositions and contemporary Amapiano energy. Powering this much-anticipated performance was a complete sound system from Stage Audio Works house brand, Plus Audio. “We’ve put Plus Audio through its paces before, but Red Bull Symphonic was the next level,” commented Nathan Ihlenfeldt, Technical Director at Stage Audio Works and FOH Engineer for the event. “Between the orchestral detail and the energy of Amapiano, the system needed to be exceptionally versatile. In short, it exceeded all expectations.” The main PA consisted of…
Author: Peter Iantorno
Taking place annually on 30 April, the International Jazz Day Global Allstar Concert brings together some of the biggest names from the jazz world. For 20205, the event, which usually takes place in a theatre, moved to an area setting for the first time ever, taking place at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, led by Herbie Hancock and hosted by Jeremy Irons. Lighting and Production Designer, Tyler Littman, who has worked with the IJD production since 2014, was directed by the producers to ‘go big’ with his design, which he did by leaning into Abu Dhabi’s forward-looking, futuristic culture. “We also…
The sixth edition of the Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film (AIFF) took place in July, with a grand opening ceremony at Amman’s Hussein Cultural Center. Attended by the organisation’s President and co-founder, Princess Rym Ali, Jordan’s Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, as well as a roomful of A-list professionals and a large public audience of film fans, the prestigious event marked the beginning of a nine-day programme dedicated to first-time achievements in filmmaking. Based on the festival’s theme – ‘A World Unscripted’ – which was designed to support the authentic, unfiltered voices of Arab filmmakers, the opening ceremony…
Rock-it Cargo Middle East has moved to a brand-new, purpose-built facility at Dubai World Central (DWC) Al Maktoum International Airport Free Zone. The company also now operates its own fleet of trucks, adding control, speed, and flexibility to time-critical logistics. The new 85,000 sq ft premises provides dedicated spaces for each of the Global Critical Logistics (GCL) verticals – DIETL (fine art), Dynamic International (film and TV), CARS (high-value vehicles), as well as Rock-it Cargo. “The move has been fantastic for us because it gives us all the space we need,” explained Rock-it Cargo Middle East Manager, Bob O’Brien. “It…
What is X1, and what industry need does it meet? X1 is a game-changing new software-only solution that will allow creative teams to design, map and deliver their visual content using only their laptop or hardware of choice – no need for Disguise servers. With one 4K output, X1 will allow users to run small to medium shows and experiences wherever they are, offering ultimate portability, with no compromise on power. What are some of the features that will benefit end users? X1 users will be able to plug their licence key into their laptop to instantly access the latest…
Off-site industry days provide a rare opportunity to step away from the day-to-day intensity of deadlines and deliveries, and instead focus on connection, shared insight, a little relaxation, and some light-hearted competition – and with its recent Industry Golf Day, 3DB provided exactly that. The event brought together a diverse cross-section of companies that work behind the scenes in making the region’s major events happen throughout the year. Sponsoring the event was Ogma Safety, Aggreko, DNA Event Services, All Events Services, Rock-it Cargo, High & Wired, 3 Below, TPiMEA Magazine, Heineken, Hello! Social and Dubai Golf. “It was great to…
NMK Electronics and CHAUVET Professional have launched a new lighting design competition, the CHAUVET Professional Lighting Challenge at NMK Beyond. Open to lighting designers who live in the GCC, the competition has cash prizes of AED3,000 for third, AED5,000 for second, and a tip to Miami, USA, for the winner. “At NMK, we believe that our industry is powered not just by technology, but by the creativity and vision of the people behind it,” the company stated. “This year, we’re launching initiatives like the CHAUVET Professional Lighting Challenge to connect with the talented lighting design community on a deeper level…
With huge headline artists, iconic stages and spectacular technical productions, the world’s best festivals all share certain characteristics that make them successful. However, when it comes to the festivals at the very top of the tree – the Glastonburys and Coachellas of this world – there’s something intangible and almost impossible to describe that makes them so much more than the sum of their parts and all but guaranteed to sell out year after year. It is this elusive X factor that Offlimits Music Festival aimed to capture with its inaugural edition, taking place on 26 April in Abu Dhabi…
An international art collective that began in Japan more than 20 years ago, teamLab, has become renowned globally for its innovative digital installations, with immensely popular locations all over the world, from its native Japan to China, the USA, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia. With the collective opening its latest museum in Abu Dhabi – a 17,000 sq m multisensory experience on Saadiyat Island – Miral, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi), ensured that the opening was marked in style, engaging HQ Worldwide Shows (HQWS) to produce a spectacular inauguration ceremony. Reflecting on the…
The word ‘immersive’ is thrown around with increasing regularity nowadays, often used to describe a production that has some particularly engaging video content or an innovative audio solution. However, in this increasingly crowded segment, a truly immersive production stands out by engaging multiple senses simultaneously and drawing in the audience to become part of the show – an unusual feat that was achieved in spectacular fashion by Dragone’s latest Saudi Arabian production, SOUK WONDERS. Held over 20 days in Riyadh as part of Diriyah Season 2025, SOUK WONDERS was an extraordinary fusion of culinary delights, art, and breathtaking performances set…
Held every four years, World Stage Design (WSD) is the first and only designer-led exhibition showcasing and celebrating performance design from individual designers worldwide. With previous editions having taken place in Toronto, Seoul, Cardiff, Taipei, and Calgary, the 2025 event is set to make its Middle East debut when it arrives in Sharjah from 18-25 October. “Think of it as the ‘Expo’ for the global performance industry,” began WSD Project Director Jacqui George, when asked to describe what we can expect from the event, which will be co-produced by Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) and International Organisation of Scenographers Theatre Architects and Technicians (OISTAT). WSD will comprise four…
Having led the delivery of some of the UAE’s most important and impressive events – including the Special Olympics, Al Hosn Festival, and several Eid Al Etihad celebrations – over the past decade, Tim Elliott and his company, People, have become interwoven into the fabric of UAE culture. An ardent advocate of the arts, passionate about sustainability, and committed to supporting the next generation of production talent, the People CEO continues to bring his creative flair, hard work and dedication to everything he turns his hand to. Growing up in the UK, Elliott’s passion for the arts was ignited from…
