Following the recent announcement of a strategic partnership between d&b audiotechnik and Dubai Opera, which saw the audio specialist named an Official Technology Partner for the world-class venue and a brand-new Soundscape system installed in its Studio space, d&b invited a selection of audio industry experts – along with TPiMEA – for an evening of performances, networking, canapes, and drinks.
Brad Maiden, d&b Middle East’s VP of Business Development, explained the purpose of the event: “The d&b Middle East Showcase in the Studio at Dubai Opera was our way to celebrate d&b audiotechnik’s Official Technology Partnership with one of the most beautiful and culturally important performing arts centres in the Middle East, and promote the creativity, innovation, and connectedness that the Middle East is known for,” he commented.
Held at Dubai Opera’s Soundscape-equipped Studio, the evening saw a live performance from classical oud player Joseph Tawadros, who played a rendition of the oldest known piece of music – the 3,500-year-old Hurrian Hymn No. 6, as well as some of his own compositions. There was also a demonstration of the capabilities of the Soundscape system, before DJ Paul Nolan led the audience on a journey through electronica with his original music, before rounding out the evening with a tight set that provided the ideal backdrop for networking over refreshments.
While Maiden and Head of Dubai Opera Dr Paolo Petrocelli both took the stage for speeches during the evening, the night’s keynote was delivered by d&b’s CEO, Amnon Harman, who shared his vision for the future of live events.
“I found Amnon’s speech insightful and inspiring, and Paolo’s welcoming of the industry to Dubai Opera was a perfect introduction to how d&b audiotechik and Dubai Opera want to support and nurture live performance in the region,” Maiden shared. “What a great industry we have here! We are very excited for the future.”
In his keynote, Harman spoke about the company’s exciting plans for d&b Middle East, explaining how d&b is transitioning from audio manufacturer to full-blown event technology company, with a particular focus on how d&b technology could help redefine the future of the live events industry in the region and beyond.
“Imagine that you are watching your favourite artist in a stunning venue with the best production you’ve ever seen and the best sound you’ve ever heard,” he told the audience. “Now imagine that you’re sitting somewhere else 1,000km away in a pop-up stage or even remote stage watching from home, and you’re getting the same experience as if you were in the main venue. This is how we see the future of life events – a combination of what is happening on stage where people are together enjoying life-changing experience, with many more people worldwide tuning in to see the show.”
Noting “a strong set of mutual goals” between d&b and Dubai Opera, Harman believes the partnership is well suited. “We are driven by our mutual goals: Our willingness to explore new technological frontiers to experience a multitude of artforms, our commitment to the development of the Middle East performing arts industry into a sustainable industry that is globally recognised as fostering the very best talent, and, importantly, our combined sense of unity and togetherness, working as one team – at d&b, we call this ‘Wir-Gefühl’,” he explained.
With Dubai Opera Studio packed with the great and good of the audio industry, including many who had travelled from outside the region, the event proved to be not only a great excuse to catch up with many familiar industry faces, but also a highly successful one in terms of making new connections – not to mention a valuable opportunity to hear Soundscape in all its glory.
Photos: d&b audiotechnik
