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Mexico's Concert for the Children Supported by Sennheiser
The recent Concert for the Children brought together thirty prominent Latin American artists for simultaneous free concerts in Mexico City and Buenos Aires in support of early childhood development assistance. The shows were staged simultaneously by non-profit organization ALAS (Movimiento América Latina en Acción Solidaria) - ‘alas' is also Spanish for ‘wings' - and featured extensive use of Sennheiser wireless microphones and monitoring systems, backed by full-time support from the team at Sennheiser México.
In the Zócalo, the massive plaza in central Mexico City, ALAS, El Concierto Por Los Niños featured Aleks Syntek, Ana Torroja, Babasonicos, Chayanne, David Bisbal, Diego Torres, Emmanuel, Juan Luis Guerra, Los Tigres del Norte, Lucero, Maná, Miguel Bose, Ricardo Montaner, Ricky Martin, Timbiriche and Tania Libertad. Meanwhile, in Argentina at the Costanera Sur ecological reserve close to downtown Buenos Aires, Alejandro Sanz, Calle 13, Fito Paez, Gustavo Cerati, Jorge Drexler, La Portuaria, Paulina Rubio, Pedro Aznar and Shakira performed for the fans. The twin awareness-raising events drew a combined crowd of approximately 300,000.
"I like the Sennheiser RF system," says Eduardo "Trosky" González, who was in charge of audio at PRG AUDIO Mexico, in conjunction with Clair Brothers, for production company OCESA. "Sennheiser's wireless transmission is exceptional and the wireless personal monitors are my favorite because they have an extraordinary transmission quality, reliance and a wide frequency range."
González played several roles at the ALAS concert in Mexico. "I was responsible for the design and performance of the entire sound reinforcement system, in addition to mixing artists such as Lucero and Aleks Syntek. However, my main responsibility for Clair Brothers," González says, "was the operation of the main speaker system, along with the delays, to guarantee sound quality for the audience."
He continues: "Each artist sent us their rider and we tried to meet every request. Some brought in their own personal monitors or other equipment. However, in the end, all of the personal monitors used on the concert stage in México City were from Sennheiser."
"In general, artists and engineers favor the audio brands that they use in concert," notes González. "And I am no exception. As FOH engineer for Lucero, I selected Sennheiser microphones for the mariachi."
He adds: "I would like to thank Sennheiser México for their assistance and technical support, not only for ALAS but for many other of our events. In particular, I would like to distinguish Felipe "Gere" Romero for his dedicated cooperation."
"ALAS was one of the biggest audio challenges that we have faced due to the short changeover times. In terms of technology and organization, it was a huge event but very well planned and with all the technical dispositions of a professional production," González comments. "This major concert was arranged between two companies, PRG México and Clair Brothers, which provided the consoles, the Pro Tools software for recording, microphones, monitors, and all the control equipment. Although two different organizations were involved with the logistics and organization, we worked as one team to get the job done. Lourdes Skipsey and Jake Berry were the captains of the production ship with Arnie Hernández, from Clair Brothers, serving as audio crew chief."
He concludes: "ALAS was an invaluable experience. It was one of the largest projects that I have done, involving major artists, varied musical genres and the expectation of quality audio. Just imagine the importance of organizing a concert in the main square of your country. I learned so much, I met several friends and I enjoyed this experience very much."
Prior to the concerts, Colombian superstar - and high-profile Sennheiser user - Shakira, who has helped children through her own Barefoot Foundation for many years, promoted the philanthropic effort to help Latin America's children with a public appearance in Mexico City. She stood alongside the world's second richest man, Mexican telecommunications businessman Carlos Slim Helú, and Howard Graham Buffett, eldest son of the world's richest man, Warren Buffett, who together pledged $200 million to the cause. ALAS is encouraging the funneling of donations and volunteer support through existing non-profit organizations.
In picture: the Sennheiser SKM 5200/Neumann KK 105 wireless combination was used by Argentinean singer Diego Torres during his performance at "The Concert for the Children," organized for the Latin American aid organization ALAS (Latin American Movement for Supportive Action), at the Zócalo main plaza in Mexico.
11th August 2008
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