TORONTO – The Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra (SYBO) performed before 13,000 in Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. Solotech supported the show with Meyer Sound MILO line array loudspeakers rigged on the retractable-roof stadium, turning the reverberant ball park into something that sounded closer to a fine concert hall.
Produced by Toronto-based Glenn Gould Foundation, the student concert was the culmination of a three-day celebration honoring Dr. José Antonio Abreu, founder of the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra and recipient of the 2008 Glenn Gould Prize.
"I'm sure it was a transforming moment for the young people there," said Brian Levine, managing director of the Glenn Gould Foundation. "It was a breathtaking musical experience, and it ended with the shouting adulation you'd expect for rock superstars."
Levine realized from the outset that the concert could succeed only if the music was delivered to the audience with an accurate balance of power and subtlety. "Clearly the emotional involvement could not have been achieved unless the music was presented effectively," Levine says. "If they had heard music lacking impact or vibrancy, it simply would not have worked."
David Brazeau of Solotech was tasked with the design specifics, with the goal to tackle challenges imposed by the stadium's long reverberation time and the more than 50 mics on stage. He used 28 front-facing MILO line array loudspeakers anchored the loudspeaker configuration, with 32 MICA line array loudspeakers supplying side coverage.
In addition, there were 14 700-HP subwoofers (six flown, eight ground-stacked), four UPQ-1P loudspeakers for corner fill and 10 UPA-1P loudspeakers for front fill and overhead stage monitors.
A Galileo loudspeaker management system controlled the system, with tuning by Solotech's David Vincent using the SIM 3 audio analyzer.
All audio systems and support personnel were provided through joint sponsorship of Meyer Sound and Solotech. John Pellowe of Meyer Sound (and former FOH engineer for Luciano Pavarotti) handled FOH duties.
"I had expected the energetic, colorful Latin selections to have a lot of impact, but I was surprised by the core classical material," said Levine. "The finale of Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony you could equate to a fine concert hall experience. It was effective, powerful, and true to the music."
Yet, it is the concert's impact on the future orchestral musicians and conductors that really matter, Levine explains. "This was an event that touched the lives of many young people, and we are gratified that John and Helen Meyer expressed personal interest in sponsoring the project."
The Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra (SBYO) represents the top performers involved with Venezuela's State Foundation for the National System of Youth and Children's Orchestras, commonly known as "El Sistema." Founded in 1975 by Dr. Abreu, the government-funded organization is recognized for its development of musical talent through community orchestras and choruses that provide free instruction and instruments for students from all socioeconomic groups.
For more information, please visit www.meyersound.com.
