Alte Oper Frankfurt Shines with ETC Navis and F-Drive

The Alte Oper in Frankfurt is one of Germany's most renowned performance venues. Built in 1880 and largely destroyed during a 1944 air raid, the iconic building was meticulously reconstructed and reopened in 1981. Since then, it has offered a premier setting for a wide range of events. To ensure it continues to meet the highest standards, the management regularly undertakes improvements across all areas of the venue. As part of an energy renovation initiative, a new lighting concept was developed for the venue's main concert hall, with ETC’s F-Drive and Navis systems playing central roles. 

The goal was to create a harmonious, functional, and energy-efficient lighting solution. This challenge was addressed by Peter Nicol Jüngermann, head of IB Lueger, whose lighting concept focused on seamlessly integrating two lighting tones: warm white (1800 Kelvin) and cooler white (4000 Kelvin). Additionally, the concept incorporated colored lighting, allowing for the creation of customized atmospheres for concerts and other cultural events. Flexibility was key, with the lighting system needing to adapt to various types of performances. For the technical implementation, IB Lueger enlisted the expertise of architectural lighting specialists DTL Licht. DTL’s team, led by CEO Alfred Bergbauer, selected systems from ETC’s extensive portfolio. 

"This was a highly demanding installation, as the protected status of the historical space allows for no compromises," explained Bergbauer. "The Alte Oper’s exceptional acoustics not only enhance musical performances but also impact lighting design and installation. Every technical solution had to respect the venue’s unique acoustic characteristics. With the DMX-controlled ETC products F-Drive and Navis, we were able to meet these requirements." 

According to Bergbauer, the F-Drive system represents "an innovative solution" perfectly suited to the Alte Oper's needs. He added, "F-Drive, with its centralized power supply located in technical rooms, offers outstanding serviceability. It also reduces fire risks in the installation zone above the hall, as converters and electrical components are no longer present there." This results in a safer operation and minimized maintenance, "since the converters are housed in easily accessible areas in the form of plug-in cards." F-Drive, with two plug-in cards for two fixtures each, is not only an efficient and highly practical solution but also "a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and the historical character of the space." 

Another key element of the lighting concept is the use of Navis fixtures. The team from EAB Elektroanlagenbau GmbH installed 480 DMX-controlled Navis systems. "Navis fixtures are easy to install and offer hassle-free maintenance," said Bergbauer, "and they provide beautiful lighting with high-quality TIR optics. Most importantly, they can be smoothly dimmed, which was a key requirement for the Alte Oper." 

The versatility of the Navis fixtures is another major advantage, enabling the creation of specific atmospheres for different types of events, from classical concerts to modern theatre productions. The use of these state-of-the-art fixtures enhances the overall character of the space, supporting the architectural message of the historic building while meeting the highest technical standards. 

The feedback from the client has been overwhelmingly positive. "The management at the Alte Oper is thrilled with the seamless integration of modern lighting technology while preserving the architectural identity of the venue," Bergbauer noted. "This project is a powerful illustration of how innovative lighting solutions can be harmoniously integrated into a historically significant context."