Located in Jiangbei City, the Chongqing Grand Theatre is home to a 1850-capacity (Grand) and a 930-capacity (Medium) theatre. L-ACOUSTICS loudspeaker systems have been installed as part of an upgrade, supplied by Chinese distributor Rightway Audio.

The larger of the two spaces has been designed as a leading world-class venue capable of hosting opera, dance drama, ballet, symphony and other large-scale variety shows, while the smaller theatre focuses on small and medium-size performances, such as dance, drama, modern drama, vocal performances, orchestral music, chamber music, folk music and so on.

In the Grand Theatre, left and right arrays each encompassing 14 KIVA ultra compact line source array cabinets with four KILO low frequency extensions have been flown on either side of the proscenium arch. An additional two L-ACOUSTICS full-frequency 115XHiQ cabinets have also been installed on each side of the stage for infill. Meanwhile, four SB28 high-power subwoofers can be moved around depending on the performance. The system is powered by L-ACOUSTICS LA4 and LA8 amplified controllers.

Additionally, 28 108P self-powered monitors and 12 112P self powered coaxials have been installed in the Grand Theatre, while eight 112Ps are hung around the side of the stages and from the ceiling in the Medium Theatre, for stage and auditorium sound effects such as rain and wind. A further four 112Ps combined with four SB15P subs are used for flexible sound reinforcement. “We appreciate the speed at which this system can be set up,” says Danny Lau, director of Rightway Audio. “It is very convenient for rehearsals, which this system is frequently used for.”

The Chongqing Grand Theatre was designed by GMP International Gmbh and East China Architecture Design and Research Institute, while German acoustic consultants Muller-BBM completed the architectural and room acoustics design. After winning the tender, system integrator Leifull Light and Sound Enterprises optimised the original design in collaboration with Muller-BBM.

A large-scale performance was held in the Grand Theatre to test all the newly-installed lighting, audio and stage machinery systems. The programme of entertainment was provided by the Song and Dance Troupe of Chongqing.

The audio system gave an excellent performance throughout the show, which didn’t go unnoticed by the end users and consultants alike. “This is the best theatre that I’ve participated in designing in China,” says Mr Kummel, the main designer from Muller-BBM. “Despite the effects of the architectural acoustic environment or the sound reinforcement effect of the theatre, L-ACOUSTICS speakers have provided the best sound for this theatre.”

Kummel was also full of praise for Leifull’s sound system design, engineering construction, and professionality.