The American new entrant Pyrotecnico achieved an amazing introduction to L'International des feux Loto-Québec, the Montreal International Fireworks Competition, on Wednesday, July 30th. Titled ʺRock Lovesʺ, the 32-minute pyromusical display was divided in five acts, each presented with a brief narrative and devoted to rock's values such as love, dream and peace.
ʺRock Lovesʺ is the most complex extravaganza ever done by Rocco Vitale, one of the designer (with Ralph Piacquadio), and it was difficult to setup everything. In addition to pyrotechnic pieces dispatched among the five firing ramps, several devices were launched from three semi-circular structures and three towers. More than 6000 cues were programmed to fire the arsenal manufactured by Pyrotecnico, Parente, Panzera, LaRoza and other suppliers. Vitale was really impressed by La Ronde's pyrotechnicians. ʺThese guys are incredible. They know exactly what to do. You ask for something, and few minutes later, the work is already done!ʺ He has worked on this show for 9 months. As soon as the 2008 Montreal competition schedule has been released, Pyrotecnico dedicated a special webpage to this performance.
The semi-circular structures and towers really added to the quality and originality of the display as several kinds of pieces were fired from them at various times. Some of these effects were similar to those performed early this year by Grupo Luso Pirotecnia from Portugal. The American display also exhibited sophisticated shells, many note-synchronized sequences and it changes of rhythm several times. However, minor failures caused some asymmetrical patterns and fireworks have appeared in the sky a bit later than the music at the beginning of some segments. Parts of the show, including the finale, can be watched on this video.
Pyrotecnico crew was very satisfied of its performance. The team received a standing ovation from the audience. Some viewers expressed their enjoyment to the CBS-Vermont television reporter Keagan Harsha who was in the grandstands. Full video news story can be watched here. To summarize, the American contestant is a serious contender for a Jupiter prize. (On a more personal side, it was a great way for your humble reporter to celebrate his 125th on-site Montreal competition display!)
Following Prestatech-Artifices (France), Pirotecnica Morsani (Italy), Garden City Display Fireworks (Canada) and Pyrovision GmbH (Austria), Pyrotecnico was the last of five new entrants invited to compete in Montreal this year. An ultimate contestant, Sunny International from China, will perform its show on Saturday, August 2nd. Then, the winners will be announced on Wednesday, August 6th, just before the traditional Panzera's off-competition closing display.
On the fourth firing ramp, this semi-circular steel structure of about 6 meters in diameter (photo taken in horizontal position as PyroPlanet visited the firing ramps, but lifted up for the show) supported 29 firing positions. Two smaller semi-circular structures were added on the third firing ramp.
Three 10-meter towers, each with 10 firing positions on both sides, allowed to produce angled and horizontal effects during the display. To setup these towers was a challenge for Pyrotecnico and La Ronde teams since there location on the third firing ramp (built with narrow quays) prevented use of engines.
The American Consul in Montreal delivered a long and very enthusiast speech to the capacity audience. He appropriately ended it asking if Montreal was ready to rock, causing screams and applauses.
Members of Pyrotecnico team and the American Consul stood to the national anthem performed by Julie McCabe.
The powerful opening segment came to a close with an impressive barrage of nautical shells on the music of Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
ʺRock Lovesʺ features several single sequences which surprised the audience, like these huge fans of meteor-headed comets on Pink Floyd's ʺComfortably Numbʺ.
In the ʺRock loves coloursʺ act, the segment on the ELO's song ʺMr. Blue Skyʺ began with these angled mines ended in blue stars, followed by a sequence of blue meteor-headed comets from the semi-circular structure on the fourth ramp.
The finale was intense and loud with a wide range of pyrotechnic pieces, including several volleys of salutes, causing many people to scream and to bring their hands over ears!
At the end of the night, Pyrotecnico team celebrated its performance with La Ronde crew.
For a comprehensive report, more photos, a full video and discussions, please visit Paul Marriott's website, montreal-fireworks.com. Info and comments in French are also available on Mylène Salvas' blog.
The soundtrack of each firework display is broadcast live on local radio station 105,7 FM. To listen the music on the web, click here and select "Radio en direct" on firework nights at 10:00pm Eastern Time.
Text, photos and video: Frédérick Bastien.
