KIEV, Ukraine – The 2009 Junior Eurovision Song Contest recently wrapped up its 7th season, with representatives from 13 competing countries watched by an estimated 13 million viewers. The show, staged at the Palace of Sports, was lit by 22 Clay Paky Alpha Beam 1500 fixtures. All lighting equipment was supplied by Zinteco Design. The show is a spin-off of the 52-year-old Eurovision Song Contest, produced by the European Broadcast Union (EBU). It is hosted by the public service broadcaster of the host country, which this year was NTU in Kiev. The show is the biggest song contest in the world for performers aged 10 to 15, who must each compose their own music and lyrics.
The theme of this year's show was "Tree of Life" based on the artwork of Ukrainian folk art painter Maria Primachenko. Lighting Designer Per Sundin created the lighting scheme using a wide array of color and effects to complement the theme. The staging incorporated circles, both in stage elements and LED effects, so fat beams were chosen.
Eighteen of the 22 Alpha Beam 1500 fixtures were placed at the back of the stage at a 7-meter trim height. "We kept the fixtures a bit low," said Sundin, "because we really wanted them to be visible and deliver a really high impact. I used them in every song."
Another four fixtures were hung underneath the followspot bus stop over the audience. "They absolutely blew us all away," said production manager Ola Melzig, adding that they made other types of fixtures "look like pin spots."
"I was very happy over the mutual efforts to put Clay Paky into the equipment list. They made all the difference in the world," said Olga Kushpitovska, co-owner of Zinteco and local production manager for the show.
At the end of the evening, The Netherlands took top honors with Ralf Mackenbach singing "Click Clack." and earning 121 points. Next year the show will be held in Minsk, Belarus.
For more information, please visit www.claypaky.it .
Photo credit: Sundin Design
