New Sound System at the Szeged Open-Air Festival

An outstanding and unique sound system, remarkable even by European standards, was introduced for the first time at the Szeged Open-Air Festival’s performances on Dóm Square. With the help of the most advanced audio technology, sound engineers are now able to create an experience as if the audience were seated right next to the conductor.

Overcoming the Limits of the Previous System

Although the previous audio setup had been continuously improved over the years, it eventually reached its technical limits. The vast distances within the 4,000-seat auditorium posed a significant challenge, particularly in delivering sound evenly from the orchestra pit to every audience member.

The new technology—incorporating digital microphones, advanced panning, and a modern loudspeaker system—makes it possible to surpass these limitations and deliver a richer, more detailed soundscape throughout the venue.

Creating Concert Hall Quality in an Open-Air Environment

According to Sándor Elek, Managing Director of Votec Ltd., whose team has been responsible for the festival’s sound reinforcement for many years, the upgrade represents a major milestone. He emphasized that achieving high-quality acoustics in an open-air environment is far more challenging than in traditional theatres or concert halls, where the acoustic conditions are already established.

In an open square such as Dóm Square, however, these acoustic conditions must be artificially created. With the new system in place, the festival can now produce lifelike sound, allowing audio to envelop the audience and create a truly immersive listening experience across the entire venue.

Immersive Spatial Sound Experience

To better understand the impact of the new system, one can compare it to the difference between two-dimensional and three-dimensional cinema. The upgraded audio introduces a spatial sound environment with remarkable depth and precision.

This level of clarity allows individual musical elements—such as the cello or bassoon—to be distinctly heard even when playing the same melody within the orchestral texture. The system is capable of selectively capturing and distributing sound, ensuring that subtle details in the music remain audible to every listener.

A New Standard for Open-Air Performances

The introduction of this cutting-edge sound system marks a significant advancement in open-air theatre technology. By combining digital audio tools, precise sound distribution, and modern loudspeaker design, the Szeged Open-Air Festival has elevated its productions to a level that rivals indoor concert venues.

For audiences on Dóm Square, this innovation means not only greater clarity and balance, but also a deeper emotional connection to the performance—where sound surrounds them naturally and enhances the overall theatrical experience.