Cameo at the Classic Open Air Berlin 2025

Classical music with a fantastic backdrop

Five evenings in summer, a venue with history and a musical programme full of stars: the Classic Open Air 2025 at the Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin was once again a sparkling cultural highlight. Surrounded by the classical backdrop of the Konzerthaus and the German and French Cathedrals, around 28,000 visitors enjoyed musical performances by international artists such as Joana Mallwitz, Nigel Kennedy, Anna Netrebko and Gregory Porter. For the lighting design, the event technology service provider responsible, TSE AG, relied on a sophisticated solution of Cameo fixtures, which also withstood the changeable weather conditions of the Berlin summer with aplomb.

Precision instead of movement

“We wanted to create a setup that works without haze and eye-catching moving lights, but still remains flexible and effective,” explains lighting designer Björn Höschler. The aim was to illuminate the orchestra with soft, even light without dazzling the musicians or creating harsh shadows. The Cameo ZENIT W600 outdoor LED wash lights, which were installed as downlights above the stage, played a central role in this. “With the right filters, the ZENITs are ideal for creating atmospheric ambient lighting - even in difficult lighting conditions such as the ‘blue hour’,” continues Björn Höschler. In addition, the lighting designer used several ZENIT units as exterior lighting for the concert hall to subtly emphasise the impressive architecture behind the stage and create additional depth.

“The ZENIT W600s allowed us to adjust the light temperature precisely to the time of day – and with a softness that perfectly matches the classical music.”
Björn Höschler, lighting designer

Light matrix with clear structure

Another central element of the show was the light matrix made up of PIXBAR 400 IP G2. The RGBW LED bars were mounted vertically in straight lines and created a harmonious, visually homogeneous image across almost the entire width of the stage. “The matrix was a challenge, as we could only suspend very limited loads due to the roof construction,” explains Marcel Fery, CEO of TSE AG, which has been providing technical support for the open-air event for more than a quarter of a century. “The PIXBARs impressed us with their low weight, high luminosity and, above all, their quiet performance – which was decisive for this format.”

The light matrix was used both for the scenic framing of the orchestra and for fine colour gradients and atmospheric transitions – always in harmony with the music without being obtrusive. “Changing the lighting moods using colour gradients on the PIXBARs created particularly beautiful images,” confirms Fery.

“Almost all the devices were IP-certified and worked perfectly even in heavy rain – a must for an outdoor event like this.”
Marcel Fery, Board of Directors TSE AG

Efficient, harmonious, classic

With the Classic Open Air 2025, Björn Höschler and TSE AG have proven that classical concert lighting doesn’t have to be static or old-fashioned. Instead, the production showed how modern LED technology and a classic understanding of design can be optimally combined. Thanks to the robust and at the same time precisely controllable Cameo lights, it was possible to create a harmonious overall impression with comparatively few types of equipment – both for the audience on site and for photo and video recordings.