The first quarter of each year sees the Kitzsteinhorn ski resort, 2,600m above sea level in the Austrian Alps, become Ice Camp, celebrating nature’s lifecycle by transforming the winter’s snowfall into an art and entertainment installation before it melts in spring. Ice Camp 2020 features a unique sound installation, aided by Yamaha systems.
Ice Camp 2020 comprises three igloos, each 12m in diameter and 6m high, centred on the Ice Symphonium, created by Austrian artist Max Seibald. Made completely from ice, this is essentially a kind of ‘singing bowl’ with giant horns. Visitors can use touchpads to change the sounds that, the artist says, ‘evoke an atmosphere of sublime harmony in combination with gentle music of the spheres’.
The sound is intended to be experienced as ‘tonal paintings’ through the Yamaha surround sound installation. This is powered by a PX8 power amplifier with six white VXS5W speakers installed in alcoves around the igloo’s perimeter, complemented by a hidden HS8S powered subwoofer. This makes the surround system effectively disappear, keeping the visual focus on the Ice Symphonium. A Steinberg UR824 audio interface connects the Yamaha system to the PC that hosts the soundscape and a VST library for the interactive interface.
Ice Camp 2020’s social focal point is the Ice Bar. Here DZR10 powered loudspeakers and an MG series mixer provide high-quality background music, with the option for live input. An outdoor sundeck hosts a range of live events from mid-February onwards. Here a main PA of DZR15 powered loudspeakers and DXS18XLF extended low frequency powered subwoofers is complemented by DXR12 MkII powered loudspeakers for monitoring.
‘A sense of amazement and almost mystical enchantment amid the ice are the initial reactions when winter sports fans step into our Ice Camp for the first time,’ says Norbert Karlsböck, CEO of the resort’s management company Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG. ‘It contributes to our goal of offering our guests special outdoor experiences and unforgettable moments in a unique natural setting.’
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