Concerts in historic venues have been enjoying a renaissance in recent years. Palaces, manor houses and castles are increasingly becoming venues for exceptional musical evenings that combine high-quality music with the unique atmosphere of places that have a story of their own. It is precisely this combination of architecture, history and music that creates an experience which traditional concert halls simply cannot offer.
For visitors, it is a unique evening. For the technical team, it is one of the most demanding aspects of event production. In modern concert arenas, technology can dominate. In historic venues, however, it must take a back seat. Not because it is any less important, but because its role is to support the music, respect the architecture and allow the atmosphere of the venue to shine through. It was precisely with this philosophy that Hurricane approached the summer concert series at Šimák Castle in Pezinok. As the sole technical partner, we provided the complete technical production for the event over the course of fourteen concert evenings, featuring Slovak, Czech and international musical legends.
The following took to the stage Fragile, Hex, Tublatanka, Pavol Hammel & Prúdy, Peter Bič Project, Peter Nagy & Indigo, Pražský výběr, Dalibor Janda & Prototyp, Marie Rottrová, David Koller, Billy Ocean, Kim Wilde, Holly Johnson and the Richard Bona Group
When technology enhances the experience:
Every concert was unique. Each performer arrived with their own production team, their own requirements and their own technical rider. Our task was not simply to set up the stage and switch on the equipment. Our task was to strike a balance between the performers’ expectations, the technical requirements and the unique character of the historic venue. It was precisely this collaboration with international production teams that proved to be one of the greatest challenges of the entire series. For international performers, we adjusted the lighting set-ups in accordance with their production riders so that they met international standards whilst sensitively respecting the atmosphere of the castle.
Our aim was not to create a spectacular technical show. Our aim was for the technology to naturally enhance the music, the performers and the venue itself. We wanted visitors to experience the concert as a single harmonious whole, in which nothing is distracting and everything has its place.
Every performer brings their own world to the stage
Technical production is never one-size-fits-all. What works for one band may not work for another. Every performer has their own ideas about sound, lighting, the layout of equipment and the flow of the concert. It was precisely the ability to adapt to these requirements without compromising the character of the historic venue that was one of the greatest strengths of the entire project. It’s not about saying „it can’t be done“. It’s about finding solutions that respect the performer, the organiser and the venue itself.
Technologies that respect the space
The choice of technology was also in line with this approach. The sound system was based on a Meyer Sound LEOPARD line array system, supplemented by X2O speakers acting as frontfills. We placed emphasis on even coverage of the entire auditorium, natural sound and high intelligibility, so that every visitor could enjoy the concert regardless of where they were seated. The lighting rig consisted of professional ROBE lights, supplemented by OTOS outdoor LED moving heads. Their flexibility allowed us to respond to the specific requirements of individual productions whilst maintaining the visual clarity of the entire stage.
Our new [...], played a special role throughout the entire project the black MILOS roofing system. In a historic setting, the canopy is not merely a technical structure. It becomes part of the overall visual experience of the concert.The black finish minimises its visual dominance, blending naturally into the evening scene and allowing the architecture of the castle and the performers themselves to take centre stage. It was under this very roofing system that all the stars of the entire concert series performed.
The best things often remain unseen
At the end of every concert, the audience is left with what matters most – the music, the emotion and the atmosphere of an exceptional venue. That is exactly how it should be.
If visitors take home memories of the concert rather than the technical aspects, then the technical production has fulfilled its purpose. Not because it is any less important. Quite the opposite. It was designed to perfectly enhance the experience, without becoming the main focus itself. That is the philosophy we at Hurricane follow on every project. Technology is not the goal. It is a means of creating unforgettable moments.
Because not all stars stand on stage.
Cover photo: A perfect May concert by the band HEX at Šimák Castle in Pezinok.
