CLIENT
ABV / Andrei Boltenko
LOCATION
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
YEAR
2022
PROJECT TYPE
Immersive live performance
Scope
Immersive audio design, orchestral reinforcement, live sound operation
Services Provided
- →Full audio system design and specification
- →Immersive loudspeaker deployment using L-ISA
- →Integration of orchestral and SFX playback
- →Audio programming, spatial mapping and show control
- →Onsite system tuning, rehearsal support and live mixing
The Brief
Created by Andrei Boltenko with original music by Sami Yusuf, Poem of the Eternal City was conceived as a monumental cultural celebration marking the opening of the Eternal City precinct in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The show featured a stunning blend of live performance and immersive storytelling, with a 50-piece classical orchestra, a 28-piece folk ensemble, and over a dozen vocalists performing live on a set that rotated throughout the performance.
Auditoria was engaged to deliver a 360-degree immersive audio system that could accurately reflect the scale and movement of the show, bring clarity to the orchestration, and immerse the audience from all sides.
The Challenge
The scale of the show and the physical rotation of the set introduced complex spatial and acoustic challenges.
As the set rotated continuously during the performance, so too did the loudspeaker system, meaning the position of each sound object relative to the audience was constantly shifting.
To maintain audience localisation and a sense of sonic consistency, our system needed to dynamically track and reposition sound objects throughout the show. We also had to balance live reinforcement of large ensembles with pre-recorded elements, all within a visually sensitive stage design that limited where loudspeakers could be placed.
Our Approach
We deployed a three-part loudspeaker system designed to deliver natural, enveloping sound while accommodating the constantly rotating stage.
The main system used eight arrays of L-Acoustics Kara, arranged in a circular formation around the stage, supported by distributed sub-bass arrays and a ring of 5XT front fills. This provided even coverage and powerful low-end response across the audience area.
To create a deep, immersive sound field, we integrated 20 L-Acoustics Syva speakers into the set itself, with 10 inward-facing and 10 outward-facing, allowing us to diffuse vocals and orchestral sources while maintaining localisation as the set rotated.
A dedicated K2 system provided precise audio localisation for the LED screens used in the pre-show video sequences, maintaining a clear narrative focus during transitions.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
Main Loudspeaker System
- Eight arrays of six L-Acoustics Kara covering 360° around the stage
- Distributed sub-bass for consistent low frequency energy
- Sixteen L-Acoustics 5XT for front fill coverage
Immersive System
- 20 L-Acoustics Syva, split between inner and outer set walls
- Used to spatialise orchestra and choir inputs with rotational tracking
Screen Localisation
- Two arrays of L-Acoustics K2 positioned adjacent to LED screens
- Used for pre-show content with acoustic separation from stage
Control and Spatialisation
- 96 MADI inputs and 28 outputs processed by L-ISA Processor
- Snapshot control and object movement triggered via Ovation timecode
- Dual DiGiCo Quantum 338 consoles with mirrored L-ISA Processors
- Redundant MADI playback via Merging Technologies Ovation
Signal Distribution
- Multiple DiGiCo SD Racks and Optocore devices for input/output distribution
- All speaker outputs routed via L-Acoustics LA-Rack amplifier racks
The Results
The result was an immersive and dynamically responsive audio environment that allowed the audience to remain connected to the performance regardless of where they were seated or how the set moved.
Thanks to L-ISA spatialisation and precise system tuning, we maintained a constant sonic perspective even as the set rotated, ensuring clarity, cohesion and impact throughout.
Poem of the Eternal City was a landmark production for the region and a standout example of what’s possible when technology and storytelling are seamlessly integrated.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
A huge thanks to Andrei Boltenko, Sami Yusuf, Olga Kalina and the team from ABV for involving us in this project. Congratulations on delivering a really amazing project that was a joy to deliver.
Our Team
The Audio system was designed by Scott Willsallen and Ethan Curry. Our team also included Luis Miranda, Joe Callister, Steve Logan and Martin Dineley.
Our Supplier
Thanks to Agora Dubai and Live Sound Agency for supplying, installing and maintaining the system for us.
Poem of the Eternal City – Production Team Credits
Creative Producer and Show Director: Andrei Boltenko
Art Direction and Original Story: Bobur Ismailov
Director and Musical Director: Daniil Pikturnyi
Production Designer: Zinovy Margolin
Costume Designer: Hilola Sher
Graphic Design: Raketamedia
Lighting Designer: Richard Neville
Audio Director: Scott Willsallen
Executive producer: Ksenia Oleinikova
Producer: Olga Kalina
Composers: Sami Yusuf, Alexander Knyazev
Arrangement and Orchestration: Marat Maksudi, Nodir Makharov
Music Consultant, Conductor: Kamoliddin Urinbaev
Assistant Director: Alexandra Alexandrova
Script: Madina Muminova
Editor: Nodir Nishonov
Technical Director: Alexey Bulgakov
Technical Producer: Tarmo Krimm
Set production: Ilya Piatrouski, Sergei Koltsov
Show callers: Anna Gromkova, Dmitry Danilov
Project curator: Firdavs Abdukhalikov
TV Director: Alexander Boltenko
TV Producer: Sergei Sevumian
Director of Photography: Nikita Ivanov
TV Editor: Sergey Vasiliev
TV Crew Coordinators: Andrey Dreux, Olga Kovalev
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