February 9 2010
News Release
For Immediate Release

New Concept Fireworks at Nelson Opera in the Park

The much anticipated finale fireworks display at this Saturday’s BioPaints presents Nelson Opera in the Park in association with Nelson City Council will be a lot quieter, more colourful and more lyrical than ever before.

The new site at Tahunanui playing field presented the Nelson Opera in the Park team with a unique set of challenges and opportunities and they’ve responded with a completely new design for the display.

Antony Hodgson, Technical Director of the event says the biggest challenge was the proximity of the site to Natureland and the animals.

“This took us down a path we may not have otherwise explored, which has been to commission a lyrical fireworks display rather than one that relies on the big bangs for impact. Complex arrangements and cascades are being designed by New Zealand's leading pyrotechnics team the Fireworks Professionals with special attention to the colour of the display in a reflection of the presenting sponsor, BIOPAINTS.”

Mr Hodgson says the biggest opportunity is the sheer size of the park.

“It’s given us the chance to bring the display right onto the field so the audience will be surrounded by light and sound. The majority of the audience will be seated between the stage and the fireworks so will need to turn around to gain the best view. With the sound of the orchestra from behind and the fireworks in front we hope to really immerse the audience in the experience, “he says.

Anthony Lealand of Firework Professionals Ltd says at 13 minutes long the display provides delightful opportunities to tease the audience as the theme repeats.

“It’s not until the full orchestration provides a substantial body of sound that the full fireworks arrive.
The firework colours are deliberately strong to match the colourful music, and to celebrate the sponsors’ business.

“Although having the audience spread over 300 m introduces some delays of up to a second, the choreography style is designed to allow for this, and produces some serendipitous moments unique for people at particular distances,” says Anthony Lealand.

The fireworks have been choreographed to Bolero, a one-movement orchestral piece by Maurice Ravel. Originally composed as a ballet, the piece, which premiered in 1928, is considered Ravel's most famous musical composition

Bolero has an interesting form where the quite simple melody repeats and builds in a steady crescendo throughout the piece. Sections of the orchestra one by one add their voice to the insistent rhythm of the snare drum to create a dense wave of sound.

Antony Hodgson, Technical Director says this piece is the perfect accompaniment for this type of display.

“With its insistent melody and steadily building crescendo it gives the fireworks team a mesmerising aural backbone on which to build a fascinating display.”

BioPaints Business Manager Kathryn Barlow says when they were told about the new concept fireworks display they were very excited.

“The whole idea of a lyrical rather than explosive display is very appealing and I can’t wait to see it. With the added benefit of being less disturbing for the nearby Natureland animals and residents I think this is a winning idea,” she says.

The Natureland staff will be with the animals in the park during the display.
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