Following its premiere in 2004, the Vienna Philharmonic’s Summer Night Concert (Das Sommernachtskonzert) has quickly become a highlight in the Austrian capital’s cultural calendar. And no wonder. For the combination of a world-class orchestra under the direction of top conductors, in front of the unique backdrop of Schönbrunn Palace, attracts more than 80,000 spectators year after year. In addition, numerous TV stations all over the world receive the television broadcast produced by the ORF, and make the classical open-air event accessible to an audience of millions. On June 16, 2022 it was that time again—and once again, in front of a full audience.
As lighting designer and Director of Photography, Jerry Appelt has been a constant factor in the production of this classic event for five years. In this role, he designs the entire space, décor, and orchestra lighting. Appelt loves the sophisticated combination of orchestral lighting, TV lighting, and general staging ambience.
When it comes to lighting the stage, the designer has long since found his favorite rig. While impression X4 was still responsible for a large part of the orchestra lighting in previous years, this year he couldn’t resist the temptation to use the new GLP impression X5. There were 62 of the German manufacturer’s next-generation wash lights used as orchestra backlights and for the low sides.
Appelt is enthusiastic about the latest generation of GLP’s impressions. “In terms of color range, the X5 is a huge step forward, thanks to the outstanding Lime chip. In particular, when lighting the personnel, for which one likes to fall back on pastel tones, it looks spectacular. It is precisely these skin tones, which are often difficult to generate from LED engines, that particularly characterizes the basic mood of a light show. The impression X5 does a sensationally good job in that respect.”
The GLP impression X5 emits an extraordinary luminous flux with an extended color space, from 19 powerful 40 Watt RGBL LEDs. Due to the new iQ.Gamut color algorithm, the impression X5 produces a clean white point with a CRI 90 / TLCI 90 at 6,500 K. It also offers the option of quickly switching to other fixed color temperatures, all of which are precisely calibrated on the color temperature curve. With the new super-fast 1:16 zoom mechanism, the impression X5 covers a wide spectrum, from a penetrating 3.5° to a homogeneous 60° wash.
“In this constellation, and with such a high light intensity, the X5 really stands out,” says the designer. “I can achieve colors with a high CRI from this lamp that are currently not achievable with other devices. The optical system is very sophisticated and offers such a wide range that this wash light can almost be used as a beam lamp if required. Fortunately, the output is so large that it can also be used over long distances, which makes the fixture even more versatile. In my opinion, the impression X5 is the new state of the art in wash lights—a new lighting standard.”
The newly designed circular lens also scored points. “With the X5 we now have a round image, which gives a more harmonious image in the camera, especially in the low sides,” Appelt explains. “The X5 was also impressive in terms of the sound technology requirements for low noise development.”
Others on the lighting crew were Markus Ruhnke (gaffer), Manfred Nikitser (lighting director and show light operator), Ole Güllich (white light operator), and Max Strobl (place light).
Appelt thanked the organizer, Zigo Mutschlechner, and the Vienna Philharmonic, especially Thilo Fechtner and Johannes Schneider, for the “fantastic cooperation once again.”
Photo credit: Max Parovsky
