LD Manfred Nikitser turns to Creos, impression X5 IP Maxx and WildBar 16 to drive URBAN PULSE
Linzer Klangwolke, a large open-air multimedia event, has been running annually in the Austrian city of Linz since 1979. On September 6th this year it again attracted nearly 100,000 visitors to Donaupark. Titled URBAN PULSE, this year’s edition translated the city’s heartbeat into captivating images and beats—a visually staged concert that harked back to Klangwolke’s roots all those years ago, and placed sound itself at the centre. Manfred Nikitser was again responsible for the lighting design, incorporating over 100 weatherproof fixtures from GLP.
The musical foundation for this performance was a multi-part work by the Upper Austrian composer, Johannes Berauer, performed by the Bruckner Orchestra Linz, and enhanced live by the internationally renowned multi-percussionist Christoph Sietzen, who lives in Linz. Together with the ensemble Motus Percussion, and around 85 other dancers and percussionists, Sietzen rocked the stage, modelled on a monumental container city.
Director Simon Eichenberger, set and costume designer Charles Quiggin, the video artists from grauwerk, and Manfred Nikitser all worked together to create the visual language of Klangwolke 2025. On an 80-metre-wide floating stage, moored on the banks of the Danube, a narrative emerged, ranging from the industrial rhythm of the city to the flow of the Danube and the gloomy scenes around the Nibelungen Bridge. Finally, in the finale, ‘Rhythm Of The City‘, dancers, colourful visuals and a rhythm challenges emphasised togetherness and drew the audience into the shared pulsation.
“This year’s Klangwolke was a high-level percussion art,“ explains Manfred Nikitser. “The goal was to make the city and its vibrations both audible and visible. As a lighting designer I needed a precise, versatile toolbox of lamps—and I found that at GLP.”
Creos shapes container architecture
For the visual implementation, he turned to a powerful IP-based setup from GLP. Despite the inclement weather, all the fixtures withstood the elements and operated without a hitch. At the top of the setup were a total of 52 GLP Creos, mounted in four blocks on steel stands. They provided powerful area lighting but could also be used as striking narrow effects for the stage and as aerial FX.
The Creos sets new standards in versatility and performance for LED washlights. With 18 x 40W RGBL LEDs and a motorised 1:12 zoom, it delivers tremendous brightness, precise beams up to 4° and full outdoor suitability, thanks to its IP65 protection rating.
“The Creos are indispensable for me—I’ve used them on various projects,“ continues Nikitser. They deliver massive power, are extremely reliable, and their angular design perfectly matches the stage’s industrial container architecture.”
WildBar 16 as foot ramp
25 GLP WildBar 16s framed the front edge of the stage as a foot ramp. The LED tilt bar is equipped with 16x 40W RGBW LEDs, delivers 10,300 lumens of light output and offers a motorised tilt of 200° and a variable zoom range from 4° to 44°. Thanks to its IP65 certification, it’s also ideally suited for harsh outdoor environments and, at just 23 kg, remains particularly lightweight.
“We only had two meters of space between the ensemble and the LED wall. The WildBar 16 could illuminate all participants evenly and also be used for effects in the front. With its large zoom and high output, it was the perfect solution. And last but not least, the price-performance ratio was ideal.”
impression X5 IP Maxx for personnel lighting
For the central personnel lighting, Nikitser opted for 24 GLP impression X5 IP Maxx fixtures, distributed across two towers. This high-performance washlight operates with 37 x 40W RGBL LEDs, delivers up to 21,000 lumens of luminous flux and, with its 19:1 zoom, covers a range from narrow 3.3° beams to a 66° wash. Thanks to the iQ.Gamut colour algorithm, it also delivers precise white tones with a high colour rendering index and, due to its IP65 certification, is fully suitable for outdoor use.
“The X5 IP Maxx is virtually untouchable: large zoom, enormous output, perfect for people lighting and special effects. Particularly for outdoor use, there are hardly any alternatives in this area.” The setup was complemented by 34 GLP FUSION X-PAR 12Z and six GLP FUSION X-PAR 8Z, which illuminated instruments and props—with the ultra-compact X-PAR 8Z even being able to be installed directly into the instruments in some cases.
The fact that the Linz Klangwolke 2025 became a visual spectacle, despite deliberately imposed budget constraints, is due in part to the lighting design. “With a performance area of 300 meters, and an audience spread over up to 700 meters along the Danube, regardless of budget constraints, you still need a sufficient number of lights to provide entertainment for over 80 people and four stage levels on a stage width of more than 70 meters.
“GLP gave us the flexibility and reliability we needed for this. Our job was to make this complex musical arrangement not only audible but also visible … varied, harmonious and spectacular. I believe we succeeded,” says Nikitser in summary.
