Uzbekistan’s best recognised artist Sevara Nazarkhan blends traditional Uzbek music with contemporary arrangements, recently performing solo concerts at the 12,500-capacity Humo Arena with all three filling the venue to capacity. The same dates gave production company Yastreb-Sound the opportunity to give the company’s new L-Acoustics L2 loudsdpeaker system its first major deployment in the country.
Sevara Nazarkhan has collaborated with Peter Gabriel and Sinéad O’Connor, and attracted concertgoers from across Central Asia to the gigs to witness her intricate vocal arrangements and diverse instrumentation, from traditional Uzbek instruments to modern orchestration. L-Acoustics Certified Provider distributor, Sound Creations, provided system design consultation and technical support for the event.
Humo Arena’s expansive interior presented significant acoustic challenges – high ceilings and challenging sightlines required a system capable of maintaining clarity and impact across long throw distances while ensuring consistent coverage throughout the space.
With 110° horizontal dispersion, the LR L-Acoustics L2 hangs delivered comprehensive coverage without the need for delay towers. L-Acoustics K2 arrays also served as side hangs for lateral coverage, with Kara elements handling front fill. KS28 subwoofers in a cardioid configuration provided controlled low-frequency reinforcement. The system was optimised using Soundvision acoustic prediction software and managed through LA Network Manager.
Sound engineer Alexander Astakhov mixed the performances on a DiGiCo Quantum 338 console. ‘The L2’s design allowed us to achieve uniform coverage across the entire arena floor,’ he reports. ‘The clarity and power were exactly what Sevara’s intricate arrangements required.’
The successful deployment demonstrated both the technical capabilities of the L2 and underlined the authority of Yastreb-Sound in the regional market. ‘This deployment showcases the potential for professional audio technology in Central Asia,’ says Andrey Nikitin, International Sales Director at L-Acoustics Certified Provider and distributor, Sound Creations. ‘Yastreb-Sound’s investment in L-Acoustics positions the company to support the region’s most ambitious entertainment projects.’
The investment has already proven its value beyond technical specifications. Audience members and industry professionals noted the exceptional audio quality, with every element of Sevara’s performance delivered with remarkable clarity.
‘The sound quality exceeded our expectations and represents a significant step forward for live sound production in Uzbekistan,’ Astakhov repports. ‘The L2 system preserved the emotional connection between artist and audience that makes live performance so powerful.’