Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay invests in Ayrton for its Recital Studio
Singapore’s iconic arts venue, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, has recently invested in its first consignment of Ayrton fixtures having purchased 21 Argo 6 Wash and 12 Rivale Profile units for its Recital Studio.
The fixtures were chosen after a thorough evaluation process by Esplanade’s technical theatre managers and lighting team who judged the Ayrton fixtures to be a good balance of performance and reliability which met all their technical requirements. “Ayrton’s products stood out for their versatility, innovative features, and the positive feedback we received from other industry professionals,” said Heryadi Yusof, Head of Lighting, Technical Production, The Esplanade Co Ltd.
The Ayrton Argo 6 Wash and Rivale Profiles proved well-suited to the intimate 245-seat Esplanade Recital Studio, meeting all the tender specifications and criteria set out by the team: “The most useful features of the Argo 6 Wash include its wide zoom range and excellent colour rendering, which allow for a broad spectrum of lighting effects,” added Heryadi. “The Rivale Profile’s framing system and high output make it ideal for highlighting specific areas or creating sharp, defined beams. Its compact size and weight, and features such as continuous rotation of the pan and tilt movement, provide us with the flexibility to adapt to all kinds of performance requirements.”
The new fixtures are rigged in strategic positions on the overhead truss throughout the Esplanade Recital Studio to provide optimal coverage and flexibility at throw distances of approximately 6 metres. They are generally set up to maximise the capabilities of the fixtures while ensuring even illumination across the stage.
Since being installed, the Argo 6 Wash and Rivale Profiles have been kept busy on several productions and festivals, including A Tapestry of Sacred Music in April, Flipside in May/June, and Jazz in July. “The new fixtures have achieved our artistic vision by providing versatile lighting options that enhance the visual impact of each performance,” said Heryadi. “Their dynamic range and smooth transitions have allowed us to create immersive experiences for our audiences. The precise control, smooth colour mixing, and compact design of these fixtures enable us to create subtle, atmospheric lighting effects essential for a variety of performances, ranging from classical music recitals to contemporary dance and band setups.
“Our technicians and lighting designers are excited by the performance and versatility of both the Argo 6 Wash and the Rivale Profile. The Rivale Profile, in particular, stood out for its powerful output, with the beam performing well. Overall, these fixtures have met our expectations in terms of functionality and ease of use. We are looking forward to exploring more creative possibilities that these fixtures can offer, particularly in terms of innovative lighting designs and effects.”
Ayrton is distributed exclusively in Singapore by Total Solution Marketing, and the Argo 6 Wash and Rivale Profile fixtures were supplied by Desisti. “Although we received the fixtures through the appointed contractor, Desisti, Total Solution Marketing has been professional and responsive throughout the process. Their support has been professional in ensuring our team was well-equipped and informed to maximise the potential of these new fixtures,” said Heryadi.
“We have worked with Esplanade for many years and always respected the lighting team for the attention to detail they put into their rigorous selection process for lighting fixtures that best fit their diverse applications. We are thrilled that Ayrton Rivale Profile and Argo 6 Wash have been selected by Esplanade, which is further evidence that Ayrton lighting fixtures are now widely accepted and available in our top theatre venues. Our sincere gratitude goes to Esplanade for entrusting us with their choice of Ayrton fixtures, » said Tevin Heng, Executive Director of Total Solution Marketing.
“We are impressed by the dedication of the Esplanade Lighting team to stay ahead of the curve and invest in technology that enhances both the visual and emotional impact of the production,” comments Vijay Thaygarajoo, Regional Sale Manager APAC for Ayrton. “We are humbled by their trust to invest in Ayrton Rivale Profile and Argo 6 products.”
Text: Julie Harper
Photos: © Courtesy of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore.
A Tapestry of Sacred Music – photo credit: © Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Jazz in July – photo credit: © AlvieAlive, Courtesy of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
