The oldest fixed circus venue in Europe and itself an historic landmark, the Riga Circus, recently completed an extensive renovation aimed to preserve its heritage while introducing modern amenities – including an audio system from Italian manufacturer K-array.

Led by local integrator RJK, and supported by technology distributor Tet A Tek and architectural firm NRJA, the project addressed a versatile space able to accommodate a variety of performance styles. Two audio systems were installed to meet the venue’s needs – a 360° installed system and a portable system, using K-array’s lightweight Mugello KH2 loudspeakers.

‘The modernised Riga Circus is a multi-purpose space and needed versatile audio support,’ says Tet A Tek’s Rudolfs Busmanis. ‘The portable system allows easy reconfiguration depending on the stage’s location, with cabling running through the centre of the venue to provide power flexibility.’

For the fixed installation, KGear’s GH12 loudspeakers were arranged in clusters to cover the venue’s domed performance space. K-array’s Kommander amplifiers power the system, which is managed via K-Framework software. Despite the acoustic challenges posed by the building’s architecture, the system performs well, with Busmanis acknowledging, ‘The technology within the products coupled with K-array’s expertise enabled us to overcome the issues inherent in the structure.’

The systems were also designed with energy efficiency in mind. The lightweight Mugello system can be easily moved by a single person, reducing manpower needs. The flexibility of the KGear system supports tailored usage based on event size, ensuring energy is only used when needed.

‘The K-array system has surpassed our expectations,’ Busmanis reports. ‘With K-array at its core, the Riga Circus is poised to continue captivating audiences for generations to come.’