Joan Baez, Les Escales du Cargo - 2018

Joan Baez, Les Escales du Cargo - 2018.

Joan Baez, Les Escales du Cargo 📍 Théâtre Arles Antique, Arles

▪️ Idzia setup : Light, sound

The exceptional concert by Joan Baez, held at the Théâtre Antique in Arles as part of the Les Escales du Cargo festival, was one of the highlights of the cultural season. This unique event, set in a historic and visually stunning venue, benefited from a carefully crafted and expertly executed technical setup by iDzia. The team was responsible for managing both sound and lighting, using high-end equipment perfectly suited to this type of open-air performance.

To meet the acoustic challenges of the Théâtre Antique, iDzia deployed a V-Series sound system from d&b audiotechnik, known for its clarity, controlled power, and ability to deliver consistent sound coverage across large spaces while maintaining the subtlety of the performance. This technical choice proved to be particularly appropriate for supporting the iconic voice of Joan Baez, whose vocal nuances require accurate and balanced reproduction. The result was an immersive listening experience that allowed the audience to fully appreciate every word and every chord, all while staying true to the artist’s unique musical atmosphere.

On the lighting side, iDzia designed a subtle and elegant setup that matched the emotional tone of the concert. Equipment from Robe Lighting and Martin Lighting was used, with the entire system controlled by a GrandMA console for precision and flexibility. This configuration enabled smooth transitions between lighting moods, adapted to each moment of the performance, while enhancing the stage without overshadowing its simplicity. In such a symbolic venue as the Théâtre Antique, the lighting had to elevate the experience without detracting from what truly mattered—the artist and her music.

iDzia’s involvement in the concert was carried out in close collaboration with the festival’s organizers, with a constant focus on respecting the venue, the artist’s vision, and the audience. The challenge was to combine the artistic demands of a world-class performance with the constraints of a heritage site. Thanks to its experience and technical expertise, iDzia succeeded in creating the perfect conditions for the magic to unfold, offering Joan Baez and her audience a moment that was both intimate and powerful—suspended in time and set against a breathtaking historical backdrop.

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