Washington’s John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has extended its longstanding relationship with Harman International Industries through a multi-year partnership including the inclusion of Harman audio and lighting systems in the facility’s expansion project.
As part of the expanded relationship, JBL Professional speakers, AKG Acoustics microphones, Crown amplifiers, AMX receivers, digital lighting from Martin and sound equipment from its Soundcraft, BSS Audio and dbx brands will continue to be a part of more than 3,000 productions, performances and classes that take place each year at the busiest performing arts centre in the US.
Highlights of The Kennedy Center’s first major expansion since opening in 1971 include the addition of 72,000 square feet of new public access spaces with open rehearsal studios, dedicated education spaces and social spaces such as a convertible café and outdoor gardens. Other features include an outdoor video wall where performances can be simulcast, an outdoor performance space and multi-purpose spaces for the centre’s extensive programming, performance and arts education offerings. The expansion project will attract more international performers and productions that require dynamic in-house lighting equipment for their shows.
‘Harman technology has played an integral role at the Kennedy Center for more than 20 years,’ says the centre’s, President, Deborah Rutter. ‘In fact, each of our nine stages is equipped with lighting and sound infrastructure required to produce world-class arts. We are grateful for Harman’s engagement and confident the new systems will allow us to continue to produce and present arts and education programming of the highest calibre at the nation’s busiest cultural centre.’
‘Harman is extremely proud to expand our relationship with The Kennedy Center and contribute to the future of this prestigious institution that is so vital to the performing arts,’ said Dinesh C Paliwal, Chairman, President and CEO of Harman. ‘For more than 70 years, Harman has been the technology partner of choice for the most highly regarded entertainment complexes in the world – from theatres and cinemas to stadia and arenas. We are excited that The Kennedy Center has once again called on Harman to bring their ambitious expansion plans to life and eager to elevate their performances and events for the thousands of people who will visit each year.’
To date, US$150m has been raised under the Kennedy Center’s Building the Future campaign, which is contributing vital funds to support the centre’s expansion project.
More: www.harman.com
