In one of its first live uses, Point Source Audio’s new Series9 subminiature microphone collection saw action in the world premiere of Beethoven Secret at the Seoul Arts Center. The original musical took to the stage for a three-month run with a stellar cast including Park Hyo-shin who delivered a high impact performance in the title role on opening night.
The rock opera took seven years for the Grammy-winning partnership of playwright Michael Kunze and composer Sylvester Levay to develop. It covers a two-year period during Beethoven’s 40s, and focuses on his secret love life with Antonie Brentano who scholars widely speculate to be ‘the eternally beloved’ referenced in letters found in his room after his death. It features lyrics added to some of the composer’s best-known melodies to help tell the story of this troubled period in Beethoven’s life.
The musical was developed with EMK Musical Company, with Korea chosen for the world premiere due to audience receptiveness to reimagining classical music on the modern theatre stage. For this inaugural run, the main roles were shared between six established actors. The role of Beethoven alternated between Park Hyo-shin, Park Eun-tae and Kai, while Jo Jung-eun, Ock Joo-hyun and Yoon Gong-joo each played the role of Antonie. High-quality yet discreet miking was required to support the talented cast.
The new Series9 sub-miniature collection from Point Source Audio, with its ability to deliver high sound pressure levels alongside incredible sensitivity and long-lasting durability, was the preferred choice for the production.
Available in lavalier, earmount and headset styles, Series9 offers 142dB maximum SPL combined with -39dB sensitivity. The IP 57 waterproof rated mics have 360˚ bendable booms, 180˚ reversible earhooks and 12,000 bend-tested connectors. These factors combined with the ability to clean the whole system in 70% isopropyl alcohol make it an attractive option for any theatrical performance.
With Park Hyo-shin take in the lead role, the opening night saw Series9 ensure that every nuance of his voice could be heard by the audience. Commenting on the performance, professional vocal coach Oh Young-chan was amazed by Park’s advancement and believes that in this performance, elements of pop singing, musical theatre singing and classical vocal techniques were all evident.
