A magical partnership: Novatech & ASO Live at the Movies

This year, the ASO is bringing three iconic music scores to life in our ASO Live at the Movies concerts: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 1, Star Wars: A New Hope, and Back to the Future. As you gaze up at the screen and the music swells, take a moment to appreciate the behind-the-scenes magic made possible by our Major Partner, Novatech. Without broomsticks or spaceships, their expert team work high above the floor to deliver some real technical wizardry. 

It takes a specialist crew of over 20 Novatech technicians to make silver screen magic come alive at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. From early on Thursday morning, they start setting up the equipment required for a Saturday night performance. Every element you see and hear, from the concert-quality audio system to the custom designed lighting, screen and projector, is meticulously installed for the concert. The 18 x 8.3 metre Fastfold Screen is one of the largest portable projection screens in Australia, and over 60,000 lumens of projection are used to make the concert look as good as it sounds.  

ASO Live at the Movies performances require careful cooperation between the conductor, musicians and technicians. The conductor’s monitor, which displays musical cues, is perfectly synchronised to ensure the music matches the action on the big screen. During rehearsals, engineers use specialised software and a headpiece link to the conductor to control the action, allowing for seamless transitions between scenes, rewinding, or pausing dialogue as needed. 

Novatech is a true Adelaide success story. Founded by brothers Leko and Milenko Novakovic in 2001, Novatech has built a reputation for providing world-class technical support at both local and national events, including Vivid Sydney and the Australian Open, and the ASO’s much-loved Festival of Orchestra in 2021. They have generously supported the ASO since 2018, and their contributions continue to elevate our performances.  

Ashley Gabriel, Novatech’s Director of Sales and Marketing shares: “Novatech have a proud history with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, collaborating to provide the best possible experience for audiences, artists, and conductors alike…we’re proud to continue to push the boundaries & expand opportunities to experience the magic of a live orchestra.”

Thank you Novatech and enjoy the show!