As the pandemic struck in 2020, opera performances were affected as the orchestras could no longer perform in the pit and thus had to perform on stage. In order to establish ensemble conditions for the orchestras and, in case (limited) audience was allowed, support towards the hall, a dedicated modular orchestra shell was designed in close collaboration with NO&B's workshop (décor atelier). A 3D model was provided by NO&B that was converted to Rhinoceros and modified for the shell design. The orchestra shell was designed in Grasshopper (visual programming), that enabled adaptation and optimisation for each production. For each production the seating arrangement of musicians and singers was evaluated and when required adapted in close collaboration with the musical and production staff. In situ support was given to fine tune the orchestral sound and to optimise ensemble conditions.
test set-up orchestra shell
orchestra shell in use at Donizetti Queens
Rhinoceros model of the theatre with ray-trace on shell
Grasshopper model of reflector