Sennheiser helps Hong Kong Academy to hit the right Octave
Published: ASIA
CHINA:Sennheiser SK 5212 body-packs andminiature MKE 1 clip-on microphones were recently used for the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Artsproduction of Octave, which is described as a ‘unique and bold musical’ that weaves pop influences and contemporary life.
The two and a half hour Cantonese production, which included Hong Kong artists and singers Ivana Wong and Hins Cheung, centred on a group of young people attempting to uncover the true values in life. Its sound designer was Yuen Cheuk Wa, a veteran of major productions both inside and outside of Hong Kong, including Hong Kong Disneyland’s New Year Parade and collaborations with British artistic director-designer Mark Fisher and pop music composer Joseph Koo Ka-fai.
According to Mr Yuen, Octave’s pop genre was a key challenge in the delivery of the musical. ‘The songs are belted out at a faster tempo, and coupled with the stage moves, the artistes were naturally more prone to perspiration,’ he explained. ‘At the same time, clarity and a near-field sound ambience were of utmost importance for the audience to follow the plot.’ The sound designer also described himself as impressed with the SK 5212 and MKE 1 combination. ‘Previously, I’ve only used the MKE 2 so when I was offered the opportunity to try the MKE 1 for Octave, it was a no-brainer. Being the smallest lavalier mic in the Sennheiser family, the MKE 1 has surprising audio quality.’
Adding a further note of approval was Alvin Wong, the director of Octave. ‘We were very happy to have Sennheiser as a partner for Octave and, more importantly, impressed with their domain knowledge and depth of understanding of our artistic direction. We certainly look forward to more extensive collaboration in future.’