THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 25, 1994 TAG: 9412230258
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Another View
SOURCE: BY WILLIAM T. RICKETTS
LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
Ida Kay Jordan's column (Currents, Nov. 27) regarding the performance of The Moscow State Ballet at Willett Hall made some excellent points regarding problems that exist at the hall. However, with minimal research into the hall's rental policy and some understanding of ``real'' logistics, she might have broadened the understanding of the reasons for some of the problems described in the column.
The ballet company itself promoted this event and also decided what it wanted to do about ushers, programs, etc. It is only the discretion of the hall's staff to determine the policies that reflect the safety of the patrons who attend these events. While unfortunate, anyone can rent the hall to do whatever it wants as long as the event meets safety criteria.
Nonetheless, I will be happy to try to respond to your comments that involve the sound system.
``. . . The sound was raucous and blaring. The music was loud and one dimensional.''
While we sympathize with her comments regarding the lack of a live orchestra, it is not uncommon for a lower budget production, such as the ballet, to use a compact disc to provide accompaniment. The stereo output of their CD player provided stereo imaging through the proscenium speakers located on each side of the stage. We also used a small amount of sound from the center speaker cluster to cover the balcony seating areas. This is the method that we always have used at Willett Hall and is a standard process for concert hall reinforcement throughout the world.
``. . . nor can I believe that the Moscow State Ballet tape was at fault.''
As a cost-savings measure for this client and to support the city and this event, Ambassador Enterprises spent a great deal of time (at no charge) with the ballet company and Willett Hall staff to work out a situation that would allow this very simple operation to be handled by the staff of the ballet company. Ambassador provided assistance for system set-up Nov. 14 and Nov. 15.
On both days, the technical director and audio operator for the Moscow State Ballet were satisfied with the ``sound'' of the system. Their operator simply had to put on a compact disc and play, pause or stop the CD based on the director's cues. The sound system was to be left on 24 hours per day and no additional modifications were required.
As this was a major event for Willett Hall, we also had our staff check in with the client again on the day of the show opening. There was no mention of any problem.
``. . . What is wrong with the sound system that cost more than $40,000 in 1988?''
Nothing. We have a 24-hours-per-day emergency pager that allows the staff to reach us if any problem comes up. If there had been any evidence of a problem, we would have provided assistance immediately!
We have provided system operation for several events at Willett Hall since the ballet. The system has functioned perfectly. We will be happy to provide an opportunity for review of the system quality, if directed to do so by the city.
``. . . I was unable to reach the people who installed it.''
Ambassador Enterprises is the contractor who renovated the sound system in 1988. This actually was the third renovation of the sound system. The previous two attempts were based on low bids and were obviously quite unsuccessful. As usual, you get what you pay for!
Since we redesigned and installed the last system (using much of the city's previously purchased equipment), Ambassador has been under contract with the City of Portsmouth to provide maintenance and operation of the system.
While not the case here, I always find it amazing that critics will blame a hall's sound system for a lousy show, when the promoter actually either brought in a rental system or used the system that the act is traveling with. MEMO: Mr. Ricketts is operations manager for Ambassador Enterprises.
by CNB