The Cadre Noir de Saumur IFCE (Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation) recently took possession of a large number of Zep2 LED luminaires and Robert Juliat followspots as part of the renovation of the stage lighting of the Grand Manège.
A true institution of international renown, the Cadre Noir is one of the four top riding schools in the world and as such, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Heir to an illustrious military history and based on an ancestral equestrian culture, it perpetuates its mission of training and showcasing the French Equitation tradition for almost two centuries.
This prestigious venue will open its 2022 season beneath Robert Juliat’s LED luminaires. One hundred and twenty Zep2 360LF2 Fresnel lanterns, six Zep2 660SX2 profiles and two Super Korrigan followspots have just been installed in the Grand Manège by Geste Scénique, Robert Juliat’s regional partner.
“The collaboration with the Geste Scénique teams has proved very efficient,” comments Benoît Lemaire, Cadre Noir’s Sound and Lighting Manager. “We now have top quality stage lighting that allows us to illuminate the different formats of gala presented in the Grand Manège, and also on tour.
Thanks to this new installation, we will also be able to design creative lighting for the ‘matinales’, a special format show for visitors based on the intricate disciplines of the Institute’s horsemanship.”
“The 120 Fresnel Zep2 360LF2 fixtures are distributed over three bridges and the structure of the Grand Manège,” Benoît Lemaire says.
“The central bridge forms an artery alternating warm white and variable white Fresnels. This allows us to create paths of light in which the riders and their mounts move with elegance.
I was a little concerned about the strength of the light output at the beginning of the project, but I’m now convinced that we made the right choice, especially considering the power and the beautiful homogeneity of the lights on the track.”
The two Super Korrigan followspots were chosen to enhance the venue’s needs and complement the two Super Korrigan units that have already been in service for many years.
“We are delighted to support the French excellence promoted by the Cadre Noir, by having our lighting products, designed and manufactured in our factory in France, associated with such an emblematic venue,” concludes François Juliat, General Manager of Robert Juliat.
For more information on Robert Juliat’s range of lighting solutions, visit www.robertjuliat.com
