Harzer Bergtheater

Context

The Team

L Series Solves Historic Harzer Bergtheater’s Extreme Outdoor Audio and Operational Challenges

The historic Harzer Bergtheater, a revered open-air cultural landmark, is situated dramatically 454 meters above sea level in Germany’s legendary Harz Mountains. Following a comprehensive, five-year renovation, the venue’s new management sought to significantly elevate its summer programming by attracting high-caliber international touring artists. This goal required replacing the previous, less-than-adequate rental sound systems with a permanent, professional audio solution that could transform the natural scenic amphitheater into a performance space capable of meeting international technical standards while maintaining its historic character. 

The Challenge

The exposed mountain environment presented two formidable and interlocking obstacles that made the deployment of a standard audio system impossible. First, the audience seating area featured an extraordinarily steep topography, demanding precise vertical coverage control to ensure every seat, from the front row to the uppermost tiers, received even and reliable sound. Second, strict safety regulations and the unpredictable nature of the mountain weather required the complete removal and derigging of the main sound system every single night. The venue needed a solution that offered not only superior sound quality and coverage for its unique slope but also rapid rigging and a robust design to withstand daily deployment cycles in harsh conditions.  

The Solution

The breakthrough arrived with the launch of the L-Acoustics L Series, a solution identified by L-Acoustics Certified Partner, session-pro GmbH, in collaboration with consultant Matthias Kreiner and Bodo Bergmann. The L Series was chosen specifically because it provided the superior vertical coverage control needed for the distinctive, steep topography. Critical to the success of the installation was the use of Soundvision software, which allowed the team to precisely model the unique sound propagation scenarios and determine optimal placement. The main system deployed L/R hangs consisting of one L2 over one L2D. The L2D was particularly effective, with its 60° of vertical control and progressive horizontal coverage, proving ideal for the steeply tiered seating. To manage the demanding daily operations, the installation incorporated a custom-engineered steel arm construction designed by the Session Pro team. This specialized rigging solution allows the technical crew to safely install and remove the main L2 arrays within a tight operational window, while the L Series’ waterproof covering provides necessary protection during performances

The Result

The newly installed professional L-Acoustics system has immediately transformed the Harzer Bergtheater into an international-standard performance space, enhancing its capacity to attract high-caliber artists that the venue management had targeted. The venue is now equipped with an even, reliable sound system that is versatile enough to handle concerts, musicals, and theatre performances for years to come. The custom rigging solution and the L Series’ efficient design have successfully navigated the extreme terrain and operational constraints, ensuring quick turnaround times critical for a busy summer season high in the Harz Mountains. 

Project Photos