Tonnes of material, tired legs and an unbroken team spirit: large events are not just an impressive experience for spectators, they also provide lasting memories for everyone involved in each project. A visit to our crew for the Art on Ice 2023 event in Zurich.
Sunday, 29 January 2023, 2pm. The watch on Andrea Barben’s wrist emits a discreet beep. The daily goal of 10,000 steps has already been achieved. “That’s normal. A big event keeps you fit,” adds the project assistant with a laugh as she continues walking quickly through the catacombs of the Hallenstadion in Zurich. There is still a lot to do. The premiere of Art on Ice 2023 will take place in four days. There are cases full of material everywhere, the arena resembles an anthill – Habegger employees, suppliers, freelancers and helpers all pitch in. A total of 140 tonnes of material will be installed, including 108 loudspeakers, 388 lights, and 334 metres of trussing.
Sunday, 29 January 2023, midnight. The day crew is replaced by the night crew. A fresh team to finish the set-up for the event on time. We have been supporting this figure skating spectacle since 1996. André Strebel took over the project management four years ago: “Planning starts six months before the event.” He now has a wealth of experience and a well-coordinated team to support him. “It’s always a great reunion. Even though 15 different professions are involved, everyone is pulling in the same direction,” says André.
Without excellent team morale and mutual support, it would not be possible to pull off this kind of event. Habegger’s services at the three tour venues in Zurich, Fribourg and Davos are comprehensive, covering technical production management, specialist and logistics planning, design and construction of the stage set-up, construction and dismantling, on-site supervision of all of the trades, and even artist support.
Thursday, 2 February 2023, 6pm. The audience is already streaming into the Hallenstadion. The Art on Ice premiere begins in two hours. The entire crew has already put in some long and exhausting days. But you would never know that. The anticipation is great, concentration levels are high. “Thanks to careful planning by our area manager Meret Makkos, I don’t anticipate any unexpected surprises during the show. The excellent preparation is now paying off,” says lighting system technician Marcel Meier with satisfaction as he adjusts the last few lights.
The whole set-up is ready in time for the show. (Image: Art on Ice)
Thursday, 2 February 2023, 8pm. The show begins. The tension of the last few days ebbs away. Everything is going according to plan. The figure skaters and musicians thrill the audience. There is not a single hint of the empty arena that was here a week ago. The grey concrete has given way to a fabulous fantasy world, the lights dance in time with the skaters, and the audio transports the singer’s words into the hearts of the audience. Time to pause while the radio hums tirelessly, bringing somebody or other promptly back to reality.
Andrea Barben (front) and Lisa Ernst work in the production office.
Thursday, 2 February 2023, 11.30pm. The audience has long since left the Hallenstadion. But there is still no prospect of going home after work. Andrea now sits in the production office with her colleague Lisa Ernst and plans the next day. In addition to providing artist support, they take care of any organisational matters for the crew. “From parking tickets to hotel rooms – there’s always something to do,” Andrea says wearily. Finally, the longed-for radio message from André: “Meeting backstage. Now.” Together they toast the successful evening and the start of the tour. Glasses are raised, the tiredness disappears, and everyone is left with the feeling that they have achieved something great as a team.
