mr.x Posted December 16, 2009 Author Report Posted December 16, 2009 I think they have what? 5,000 performers for both Opening & Closing? That's no small cast for a 55,000+ arena. For mass movements (i.e., hundreds of dancers), you cannot conceive very difficult choreography. It will be lost in a haze. If he and the David Atkins people know their job, it will just be grand strokes since it must be seen on a vast scale rather than on a close-up, proscenium stage (which of course a jumbotron screen would give). The official numbers for cast is "3,800+". The original number was 4,300. Then how did he manage Sydney's 12,000?
mr.x Posted December 16, 2009 Author Report Posted December 16, 2009 ...compared to 6,000 in Athens and 4,500 in Salt Lake, it seems like a disappointment in regards to size....and both venues are much smaller than BC Place.
nobase2010 Posted December 16, 2009 Report Posted December 16, 2009 I could totaly see Michael Buble singing the song "Singing in the rain" during the opening ceremony. A nice ode to the rainy weather of Vancouver. The choreographer can do a lot of things with that song.
canucks4ever Posted December 16, 2009 Report Posted December 16, 2009 The official numbers for cast is "3,800+". The original number was 4,300.Then how did he manage Sydney's 12,000? The application process for ceremonies volunteers starts today at www.vancouver2010.com/ceremonies. Candidates are asked to complete an application online that lists their skills and abilities. VANOC is searching for 4,500 dancers, athletes and performers across all disciplines. All performers must be aged 17 or older by May 1, 2009 to apply. Possible opportunities for performers younger than this are still being considered. source: This source was in March....... so when did the number of 4,300 then 3,800 went down? Not saying your wrong.... just wondering where did you heard 3,800 because this source was only nine month ago from vanoc.... Volunteer dancers, athletes and performers wanted! Vancouver 2010 launches online call for volunteer performers for Olympic Ceremonies Mar 3, 2009 Apply online at www.vancouver2010.com/ceremonies Vancouver, BC– Performers, dancers and athletes of all types now have a chance to apply to be part of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Today marks the launch of the search for thousands of volunteers to participate in these iconic and magical mega-productions that bookend the Games. An online application at www.vancouver2010.com/ceremonies is the first step in the process for anyone aspiring to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. “We’re looking for people with all types of performance skills and levels of ability who want to play a part in sharing Canada with the world,” said David Guscott, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) executive vice-president of celebrations and partnerships. “Previous experience isn’t a requirement, but taking quick action is. This is the one and only call for participation. Above all, we’re looking for volunteers with lots of personality, a positive attitude, tonnes of energy, and a willingness to perform on a stage in front of thousands of people live and billions more around the globe.” The application process for ceremonies volunteers starts today at www.vancouver2010.com/ceremonies. Candidates are asked to complete an application online that lists their skills and abilities. VANOC is searching for 4,500 dancers, athletes and performers across all disciplines. All performers must be aged 17 or older by May 1, 2009 to apply. Possible opportunities for performers younger than this are still being considered. The ceremonies provide a showcase for Canada to tell its story to the world through music, dance and special effects. “The Government of Canada is a proud partner of the 2010 Winter Games and is pleased to support the Opening Ceremony,” said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport). “All eyes will be on Canada during the Ceremonies and the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. This is a tremendous opportunity to show the world who we are as Canadians. I encourage all Canadians to apply to be part of this important set of events in our country’s history.” Wendy Tynan, a volunteer Opening Ceremony performer at the Calgary 1988 Olympic Winter Games, has described the experience as life changing. “When my sister and I auditioned to be in the Opening Ceremonies I don’t think we ever realized how much it would transform our lives,” she recalled. “What started off as weekly dance rehearsals quickly became a solid understanding that we were a part of something amazing. The experience changed my life. I discovered not only a love of performing but more importantly it set the stage for a lifelong commitment to volunteering.” “Participating in the ceremonies as a volunteer is a truly special way to play a role in Olympic history,” said David Atkins, executive producer of the secret Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and head of David Atkins Enterprises Productions Canada Ltd. “It’s also a great opportunity to work with and learn from some of the industry’s best while meeting with people who have similar interests; all in all, an experience you’ll never forget.” Recruitment of ceremonies volunteers is being supported through limited advertising and targeted outreach to cultural and sport organizations. Audition and rehearsal timelines: Auditions will take place over several months starting in May. There will be no open casting calls and applying does not guarantee an audition spot. Candidates will be notified by this summer if they have been successful in landing a ceremonies role. Rehearsals begin in November and continue through to Games time, including over the December holiday period. Rehearsals will be held twice a week and each volunteer performer will rehearse over 100 hours to prepare for their role. Applicants may also choose to apply to audition for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games Ceremonies, which take place in March 2010. For more information on ways to participate in the ceremonies, please visit www.vancouver2010.com/ceremonies. About VANOC VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com. About David AtkinsEnterprises ProductionsCanada Ltd. David Atkins Enterprises (DAE), producer of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Summer Games and the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006, in Qatar and the handover ceremony for the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, has been appointed by VANOC to produce Opening and Closing Ceremonies that tell the unique story of Canada at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Government of Canada The Government of Canada is contributing $20 million to ensure the televised celebrations truly showcase Canada and exceed expectations of Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Contact VANOC Communications mediarelations@vancouver2010.com
nobase2010 Posted December 16, 2009 Report Posted December 16, 2009 LESLIE FRANKISH one of the set designers. Here are some of her sample work. Scroll all the way down for the pictures. http://www.citadeltheatre.com/frankish_oly...amp;yearID=2008
nobase2010 Posted December 16, 2009 Report Posted December 16, 2009 Connie Watts. Sample of her works. I guess her designs will be for the aboriginal segment of the ceremony. She also design that huge thunder bird at YVR airport. http://www.nativeonline.com/connie12.gif
memorabilia Posted December 16, 2009 Report Posted December 16, 2009 The application process for ceremonies volunteers starts today at www.vancouver2010.com/ceremonies. Candidates are asked to complete an application online that lists their skills and abilities. VANOC is searching for 4,500 dancers, athletes and performers across all disciplines. All performers must be aged 17 or older by May 1, 2009 to apply. Possible opportunities for performers younger than this are still being considered.source: This source was in March....... so when did the number of 4,300 then 3,800 went down? Not saying your wrong.... just wondering where did you heard 3,800 because this source was only nine month ago from vanoc.... Volunteer dancers, athletes and performers wanted! Vancouver 2010 launches online call for volunteer performers for Olympic Ceremonies Mar 3, 2009 Apply online at www.vancouver2010.com/ceremonies Are they still looking for volunteers ??? Registration is still open .... I just registerd to see....
mr.x Posted December 16, 2009 Author Report Posted December 16, 2009 The application process for ceremonies volunteers starts today at www.vancouver2010.com/ceremonies. Candidates are asked to complete an application online that lists their skills and abilities. VANOC is searching for 4,500 dancers, athletes and performers across all disciplines. All performers must be aged 17 or older by May 1, 2009 to apply. Possible opportunities for performers younger than this are still being considered.source: Regardless, the new number is 3,800+.
baron-pierreIV Posted December 16, 2009 Report Posted December 16, 2009 (edited) Then how did he manage Sydney's 12,000? Very well, I guess. Atkins was also Birch's right hand man for Sydney. Birch was still top-honcho of Sydney. That total number is broken down into segments. So you just have more sub-captains, head-of-this segment, assistants-of-this-segment, etc. Also, they needed that number to fill a whole T&F-sized infield which is NOT the case for Vancouver. Re the starting numer of 4,500. They always start out with some number. Beijing, for example said, they were looking for 50,000 performers...which in fact they may have (as a database) but as the shows flesh out (and they get realistic images and proportions on the field), then they are able to tweak that number up or down. As the show builds, they are able to narrow the numbers down more realistically (including reserves, etc.). Edited December 16, 2009 by baron-pierreIV
Sir Rols Posted December 16, 2009 Report Posted December 16, 2009 Don't forget they'd also account for a reasonable number of understudies, stand-ins and back-ups for the inevitable attrition you'd have amongst such numbers over a period of months.
jawnbc Posted December 16, 2009 Report Posted December 16, 2009 I'm guessing Bublé will sing at the Closing...everyone can't do Opening.
Kenadian Posted December 17, 2009 Report Posted December 17, 2009 Yeah, and Openings normally feature less singing, more orchestral performances. Yeah, the host anthem, the Olympic anthem, the theme song, maybe some tribute to the athletes at the end, but that's usually about it. Closing ceremonies are the time to party and rock it up.
Ikarus360 Posted December 17, 2009 Report Posted December 17, 2009 Dave Pierce, better know for his works at the Calgary Stampede shows, will be the musical director of the ceremonies Some of his works (so we can get an idea of how the music could turn out) His official Myspace site http://www.myspace.com/officialdavepierce (you can hear some of his compositions at this site) Hmmm not bad. At least i think it will be better than Torino prerecorded music almost 4 years ago..eww ಠ_ಠ
cormiermax Posted December 17, 2009 Report Posted December 17, 2009 I don't really like it... sorta cheesy...
nobase2010 Posted December 17, 2009 Report Posted December 17, 2009 I wish David Foster should have been the Musical director. I don't really like it... sorta cheesy...
Ikarus360 Posted December 17, 2009 Report Posted December 17, 2009 Interview with David Atkins himself speaking about the ceremonies, on an interview at CTV
stir.ts Posted December 17, 2009 Report Posted December 17, 2009 Dave Pierce, better know for his works at the Calgary Stampede shows, will be the musical director of the ceremoniesSome of his works (so we can get an idea of how the music could turn out) His official Myspace site http://www.myspace.com/officialdavepierce (you can hear some of his compositions at this site) Hmmm not bad. At least i think it will be better than Torino prerecorded music almost 4 years ago..eww ಠ_ಠ Is that Gaga in the first clip?
mr.x Posted December 18, 2009 Author Report Posted December 18, 2009 At least we know an orchestra is involved....not sure why this is such a big deal: VSO refuses to mime for Olympics Vanoc wanted other musicians to ‘perform’ VSO recording at ceremony By Randy Shore, Vancouver Sun December 18, 2009 1:59 PM VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra refused an invitation to record music for the Vancouver 2010 opening ceremonies because Vanoc wanted other musicians to “mime” the performance. VSO conductor Bramwell Tovey was asked to conduct the recording session, but was told another conductor would perform his actions at the ceremonies. “My participation at the opening ceremonies was dependent upon my agreeing that music I recorded would be mimed by another individual and I regarded that as fraudulent and withdrew,” Tovey told The Vancouver Sun. The audience will at times hear more musicians playing than appear on stage, according to David Atkins, the executive producer of the opening and closing ceremonies. VSO president and CEO Jeff Alexander said the VSO was asked to record a piece of music for the ceremonies, but was not asked to appear in the show. Although Vanoc offered to credit Tovey and the VSO, Alexander said “it wouldn’t have made sense to allow the VSO name to be used.” The VSO will perform at three events co-produced by Vanoc during the Games, said Alexander. “We’re very happy about that,” he said. Many VSO musicians will take part in the recording sessions for the opening ceremonies and a number of VSO players have been recruited to appear live with freelance musicians at the ceremonies. “But it’s not the entire VSO and so we felt our name should not be attached to that,” he said. Atkins explained the decision: “For international televised live spectacles of this size and scope, it is standard practice to pre-record the musical segments to ensure the integrity and security of the broadcast transmission.” The artists and ensembles at the ceremonies will be performing live and all of them will participate in the recording sessions, but “some sections of the pre-recorded music will understandably feature a larger ensemble than appears on stage,” Atkins said in a statement given to The Sun. Atkins would not reveal which, if any, of the VSO’s musicians will perform at the ceremonies or how they were selected. In 2008, Beijing 2008 Olympic officials were embarrassed when it was revealed that an entrancing performance of Ode to the Motherland performed at the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Games by nine-year-old Lin Miaoke was a fake. The girl who actually sang the song was removed by a top member of the Chinese Politburo at the last moment and replaced by a girl with a “cute” face. Seven-year-old Yang Peiyi was considered unacceptable because of her crooked teeth. Lin Miaoke, who lip-synched to Lin’s voice, became a sensation, granting media interviews before the fraud was revealed. Tovey was approached by Winnipeg-based orchestra contractor Sam Lutfiyya one month ago to conduct a recording session to create a tape that would be used at the opening ceremonies. Tovey initially agreed and then rethought his position, telling Lutfiyya that he would withdraw. Lutfiyya died earlier this week. All performers are asked by Vanoc to sign a strict confidentiality agreement, which includes statements such as “Recipient agrees to the granting of injunctive relief in Vanoc’s favour without proof of actual damages” and a promise by the signatory to reimburse Vanoc for any court costs associated with litigation due to a breach of the agreement. The practice of pre-recording music for large-scale productions is a common one. In 1999, Tovey and the Winnipeg Symphony and a 400-voice chorus pre-recorded music for the Pan American Games ceremonies. Tovey, the choir and the orchestra performed live along with the recording, which was made to ensure that any mishap affecting the live performance would not interrupt the show. The Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra will pre-record its performances for the closing ceremonies and play live along with the recording. VYSO artistic director Roger Cole refused comment when contacted by The Sun: “I’ve signed an agreement. I can’t talk about that.” rshore@vancouversun.com Read my blog at www.vancouversun.com/randyshore © Copyright © The Vancouver Sun David Atkins' statement December 18, 2009 Understandably, we can't confirm specific details on the Opening or Closing Ceremonies as they are confidential, including who is participating. But your question provides an interesting opportunity to provide some general information on our plans as it relates to the vocalists and music for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Both Games Ceremonies will present a broad spectrum of Canadian musical expression. For international televised live spectacles of this size and scope, it is standard practice to pre-record the musical segments to ensure the integrity and security of the Broadcast transmission. If there were to be technical difficulties, this procedure also ensures that the show continues without interruption. To accomplish this, individual artists and ensembles that are featured in the Ceremonies perform live during the event and also participate in recording sessions to produce pre-recorded segments that play simultaneously with their live performance. The individual artists and ensembles performing in the ceremonies are the artists whose performances have been pre-recorded. Given the range and number of musicians involved and to achieve the maximum musical impact and effectiveness, some sections of the pre-recorded music will understandably feature a larger ensemble than appears on stage. Of course, all musicians who have participated in either the recording session or ceremony will be acknowledged in the ceremony program. David Atkins Executive Producer & Artistic Director Opening, Closing and Victory Ceremonies Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games © Copyright © The Vancouver Sun
Ikarus360 Posted December 19, 2009 Report Posted December 19, 2009 Well, this whole miming stuff also reminded me of what happened on the Sydney 2000 opening ceremonies (which music was not also mimed but, in reality, performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra ). That doesnt hurt the fact that their music was probably the best i ever heard on a OC. Which worries me its the possible echo distortion at these ceremonies since w'ere talking about an indoor venue.
Kenadian Posted December 19, 2009 Report Posted December 19, 2009 An indoor venue can often have very fine acoustics. Look at the many fine opera houses in the world. BC Place, however, is an acoustic mess mess mess mess ss ss s. I hope they are finding some solutions to that problem.
baron-pierreIV Posted December 20, 2009 Report Posted December 20, 2009 (edited) The whole Urban Rhapsody (the 84 pianos Rhapsody in Blue) of Los Angeles 1984 was pre-recorded so that at least the paying L.A. Memorial Coliseum "audience" got a good, balanced feel of the abridged 4:52 version of the piece, which was part of the show they paid to see and hear. In addition, 2 pianists whose hands were shot for "live close-up," were instructed to play a beat or 2 behind the others to account for the split-second delay of audio-to-video images. It's all very 'cabalistic' but done for technical reasons. All these so-called 'artists with integrity' are just messing up a great show biz scam game!! Read all about in SECRETS OF THE OLYMPIC CEREMONIES!!! Edited December 20, 2009 by baron-pierreIV
graymccarty Posted December 20, 2009 Report Posted December 20, 2009 Did everyone catch the new press release on the home page of VANOC's website?
Ikarus360 Posted December 21, 2009 Report Posted December 21, 2009 Did everyone catch the new press release on the home page of VANOC's website? Ummm no. Why dont you link us to it?
Ikarus360 Posted December 21, 2009 Report Posted December 21, 2009 Anyway i got this: VSO clarify ceremonies participationVANCOUVER, December 19, 2009 – The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) will play a prominent role at the 2010 Winter Games and will showcase its musicians’ talent to the world both through the Cultural Olympiad, and the playing of over 90 national anthems. VANOC regrets that the complex technical requirements of the Opening Ceremonies have put the VSO in a difficult position and both parties wish to move forward in the spirit of preparing for the great Games ahead. Hundreds of musicians – many of whom are also members of the VSO -- have joined with other musicians and artists from across Canada and around the world to contribute to the rich, diverse sound of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, some of which has been and is currently being recorded, and will also be played live. VANOC apologizes to the VSO for putting the orchestra in an untenable position regarding the Opening Ceremonies. Under the direction of conductor Bramwell Tovey, the GRAMMY award winning Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will be showcased as part of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad and – perhaps the greatest honor -- has recorded the renditions of the national anthems of all participating nations to be played at the Games, including at Team Welcome Ceremonies in the Athlete Villages and medal presentation ceremonies both in the sport venues and at Victory Ceremonies at BC Place and Whistler Celebration Plaza. “The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is proud to be an integral part of the 2010 Games and wish every success to VANOC,” said Tovey. “The VSO is making a significant contribution to the musical memories of the Games and our collaboration with VANOC is one of the most important in the orchestra’s long and distinguished history.” “Bramwell Tovey and the VSO have been with us throughout this remarkable journey, from the bid phase on through, and it has never been our intent to put them, or any of our partners in a compromised position,” said John Furlong, VANOC CEO. “Whether through the Ceremonies, or the VSO recording of the anthems or the concerts of the Cultural Olympiad, the Games offer the opportunity for collaboration and a true showcase of the VSO members, who may perform or be heard individually on occasion or as a whole. We know that the VSO will be a celebrated partner in what promises to be an unforgettable experience.” The Opening Ceremony takes place on February 12 and the Closing Ceremony takes place on February 28th. The VSO performs throughout the Cultural Olympiad 2010, including two feature performances of Mahler Symphony No. 8: Symphony of a Thousand January 30th and February 1st 2010.
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