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Two Liebherr top-slewing cranes are putting on a star performance in the opera Aida at the Bregenz Lakeside Theatre. The cranes, a 550 EC-H 40 FR.tronic and a 280 EC-H 12 Litronic, are actively involved in the opera, shifting parts of the stage setting, some of which weigh up to 12 t, as the drama unfolds. And it is not only the operation of the cranes that plays a part; the profiles of the machines have become integral to the stage set, with the towers and jibs forming a giant frame enclosing the world’s largest open-air opera stage and the night sky above Lake Constance for the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Liebherr cranes have in fact been playing a supporting role for many years in setting up the large stage scenery elements at Bregenz Lakeside Theatre. A 71 K fast-erecting crane has been permanently installed since the year 2000 as a trusted lifting aid for setting up the backdrops. The 71 K is mounted on a pontoon measuring 15 x 13 m, and is set up in such a way that it operates with total reliability despite the movements caused by the surface of the water. It was the long years of excellent co-operation between Liebherr and the Bregenz Theatre which gave rise to the idea of bringing Liebherr cranes visibly into the performance in the coming season. This creates an unusual setting for Liebherr construction cranes. The lighting effects bring out the aesthetic aspects of the machines, and the shadows which the lattice structures of the cranes cast on the stage are integrated as an artistic element of style in the presentation. For the performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s monumental opera Aida, the two large cranes have the task of raising two complementary mask elements onto the stage and bringing them together in mid-air to form one huge hovering mask. This calls for absolute precision and pinpoint accuracy on the part of the drivers. The stepless FC drives and the ABB work area limitation system make their task easier and provide support in carrying out this demanding and difficult manoeuvre. Fine sensitivity driving, as well as total reliability and safety, are essential for a total of more than 60 performances. The crane drivers have been specially trained by Liebherr for these events, and fully prepared for what they have to achieve. Both cranes have been mounted directly next to the stage in the water, on what are known as ’pilots’. These are timber piles which are driven into the bed of Lake Constance, and so form the foundation for the crane structure. The undercarriages of both cranes then rest directly on these ’pilots’. The 550 EC-H 40 FR.tronic is erected on an undercarriage measuring 10 x 10 m, with a hook height of 59,5 m. Maximum working radius is 54,5 m and the maximum load capacity is 40 000 kg. The 280 EC-H 12 Litronic has an undercarriage of 6 x 6 m and a hook height of 39,4 m. Working radius is 28,5 m and maximum load capacity is 12 000 kg. And to ensure the parts are carried smoothly and quietly into position, the cranes are equipped with two trolleys and a traverse. Aida will be presented at the Bregenz Lakeside Theatre in the 2009 and 2010 seasons. For more information on the Bregenz Lakeside Theatre: www.bregenzerfestspiele.com
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Operatic Debut by Liebherr Construction Cranes in Bregenz
