Power Gems in Opera House and Theatre, Cologne, Germany

July 31, 2015

Power Gems ballasts are to be installed in the new theatre and renovated Opera House in Cologne, Germany.

The listed historical buildings of Oper Köln are currently closed for the extensive refurbishment of the 1950s opera house and the construction of a new theatre. Patrick visited last week to check in with Ferdinand Znajewski, the company’s Chief Lighting Technician, who took delivery of the latest shipment of our range of ballasts suitable for the theatre market.

[L-R] Patrick, with Ferdinand and Michael, their in-house lighting designer

On this occasion we provided 18 units of 19” rack-mounted EB2X2500W power supply; capable of running two Robert Juliat D’Artagnan 2500W profile spots or ARRI 2.5kW Fresnels from a shared power supply. The match of Power Gems ballast and D’Artagnan give a silent and reliable power source for maximum dramatic impact.

Power Gems has enjoyed a long standing relationship with the Opera House. Over the years we have supplied a number of 4000W 19” rack-mounted power supplies and 2500W/4000W/6000W portable ballasts to run the theatre’s HMI light fixtures, such as Robert Juliat followspots and ARRI compact 2500/4000W Fresnels.

“Ferdinand Znajewski has pioneered the use of electronic ballasts for HMI lighting at Oper Köln, and has convinced many colleagues that they are a superior alternative to magnetic ballasts,” says Patrick. “We were happy to help him in this objective by modifying our product to give silent operation at the head, and by developing a wiring arrangement which allows seamless operation of Robert Juliat or ARRI fixtures without using adapters. Power Gems are always willing to step up and help customers develop solutions like this, where other manufacturers just follow.”

The main Opera House undergoing extensive renovation

Patrick takes to the stage at the theatre’s temporary home, but avoids the spotlight