Passionsspiele, Oberammergau, Germany

Object Type
Theatres

Client
Gemeinde Oberammergau

Seats
4700

Completion
2020

Expertises
Electronic Room Acoustics
Audiovisual System Design

The world's most famous Passionsspiele takes place in Oberammergau every ten years. In a performance lasting several hours, amateur actors from Oberammergau re-enact the last five days of Jesus' life days in the life of Jesus. For the first time in its almost 400-year history, the Passion Play in Oberammergau took place in 2010 with electro-acoustic support.

In order to realise the most natural amplification possible for the numerous speaking roles, an elaborate fixed microphone system, a large level-delay matrix and a specially coordinated sound concept were used. This ensured correct localisation on stage for the performers. At the same time, excellent speech intelligibility was achieved for the 4,700 seats in the Passion Play Theatre. The loudspeakers were skilfully integrated into the stage design so that the ‘normal’ audience did not even visually notice the use of a sound system. In addition, the Vivace electronic room acoustics system enabled the orchestra, choir and vocal soloists of the Passion Play to be directly integrated into the musical interludes.

In collaboration with Neumann & Müller, the complex overall system was calibrated and fine-tuned during rehearsals and the first events. This created excellent speech intelligibility and an impressive sound space for the almost 500,000 spectators.

Image Copyright
1 Marianne Rehle
2 MBBM-BSO
3 MBBM-BSO
4 MBBM-BSO