The Brandenburg Gate has seen New Year’s Eve come and go over 225 times but the historic structure has never shined quite like it did this 31 December 2018.
An estimated one million NYE revellers gathered along a two-kilometre route. There, in the shadow of the famous gate, international stars appeared on the Genesis Stage. Providing visual support for their performances was a dazzling light show that featured Chauvet Professional ÉPIX Strip IP fixtures.
Designed by Denny Arndt of 666 Veranstaltungstechnik and Helge Rabethge of TCL Events, the light show used 160 of the 1-meter Chauvet ÉPIX LED strips. With over 50 different acts from a wide variety of genres taking to the stage, the Designers’ main challenge was to underline this musical diversity with a wide range of dynamic and compelling looks for the live crowd and the millions more watching on television. They achieved this through the use of multiple scenic levels that delighted the audience with a constant flow of new effects.
In addition to contributing to the varied visuals, the Chauvet ÉPIX Strip IP fixtures outlined the contours of the stage. Pixel mapped, the strips added depth to this stage design, often working in conjunction with the large video screens.
ZDF’s live broadcast of the celebration garnered the highest ratings in its timeslot. The success of the 31 December 2018 celebration was built on the excellent collaboration at the event in recent years by organisers from Silvester in Berlin and Wohlthat Entertainment (responsible for the implementation of the Production), TLT Event, and Jens Meinecke, which was responsible for the open-plan stage design that engendered creativity. Among the other technical service providers involved were AVE Verhengsten (Video Sub Direction), Screen Visions (Video Equipment, LED walls), TV Skyline (Broadcast Equipment) and Auvisign (Sound Reinforcement).
After experiencing the results of this joint effort, celebrants left the Brandenburg Gate in the early hours of 1 January 2019, already anticipating what treats lay in store for them come 31 December 2019.