Luminiscence Makes North American Debut In Minneapolis K-Array

Overview

LUMINISCENCE being presented at Saint Mary's Basilica in Minneapolis with audio delivered by a range of K-array loudspeakers that blend into the environment. Immersive sound, light and video experience at historic Saint Mary's Basilica utilized Kayman loudspeakers, Thunder subwoofers and more to reinforce a blend of live choir, organ and instrumental music.

After a sold-out European run, LUMINISCENCE made its North American debut last fall by illuminating Saint Mary’s Basilica in Minneapolis with 360-degree video mapping, while spectators listened to the history of the U.S. landmark that was completed in 1914 accompanied by a blend of live choir, organ and instrumental music reinforced with a sound reinforcement system utilizing a range of K-array loudspeakers and supporting components.

The production was designed to work within the building using light and sound to reveal its history without changing the structure or disrupting its daily schedule as an active place of worship, hosting services and visitors year-round. Loudspeakers, cabling, and infrastructure had to disappear into the architecture, leaving no visual footprint. The system also needed to fill a reverberant room evenly, within the natural acoustics that define the Basilica’s sound.

K-array loudspeakers were selected for their ability to deliver volume and detail while remaining physically unobtrusive. Sixteen Kayman KY102 line array loudspeakers provided coverage throughout the basilica, supported by six Thunder KS2P I subwoofers. The installation also included two Mastiff KM112P passive monitors along with four Kommander KA208 amplifiers, allowing the system to adapt to spoken word, orchestral performances, and choral moments within the same program.

“The biggest challenge was keeping everything as hidden as possible. LUMINISCENCE runs inside a historic basilica that’s open to visitors every day, so whatever we installed couldn’t interfere with how the space normally functions,” says Philip Holden, director of production: LUMINISCENCE North America. “This is specifically why we went with the K-array speakers, as not only do they have superior sound, but the sleekness of the speakers allowed them hide and not get in the way of the beautiful architecture of the building.”

Projectors turn the Basilica into a “living” canvas, while lighting shapes the architecture with subtle shifts in color and pattern that follow the show’s narrative. Together with the audio system, these elements create an enveloping environment without drawing attention away from the space itself.

Representing the manufacturer of loudspeakers, subwoofers and related products in the states of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee.