The Spanish team Astondoa Piroteknia will open the 2017 International Fireworks Competition

© Marion de Castellane

Before the Spanish team lights up the sky above the Herrenhäuser Gardens, playful birds from the south and a spirited Spanish duo on stilts welcome the visitors. Gina, a pilgrim on the Way of St. James, can’t find her way in the Great Garden: She just takes off—and I mean really takes off. At the Garden Theater, “Encuentro Flamenco” brings together old and new styles in a multifaceted, intergenerational fusion while remaining true to classical flamenco. On the rehearsal stage, the band Nordakas blends traditional sounds from northern Spain with Andalusian vocals and Latin American world music. On the Children’s Lawn, the young artists from Circus Salto and Circus Bunttropfen showcase their skills. At 10:00 p.m., the Spanish team led by chief designer Juan Carlos Meza begins its choreography for this year’s approximately 4-minute compulsory piece: an excerpt from “Finlandia” by Jean Sibelius. The team has been working since late December on the free skate routine, which was designed specifically for the Herrenhausen Gardens. The focus is, on the one hand, on the breadth and depth of the Great Garden, and on the other, on harmony—all the aerial formations are meant to be in harmony with the Baroque forms on the ground. In addition, the musical selection—ranging from classical to traditional to modern—will evoke intense and explosive emotions in the audience. They will be transported into various thematic worlds with all their senses. One will be a journey to the roots of the family business, featuring Basque music and traditional imagery. Another part of the show will focus on the beauty of secluded places and the sky. “Through this unique fusion of color, imagery, sound, form, and environment, every visitor should enjoy their own journey of discovery,” says Juan Carlos Meza.

© Astondoa Pyrotechnics

The Team: Astondoa Piroteknia

Founded in Areatza in 1885, this family-owned business is now run by Izaskun Astondoa, the fourth generation of the family. Their shows and designs emphasize tradition and customization: carefully selected music and special effects create emotional and powerful fireworks displays. Collaborations with musicians such as Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis further highlight the company’s artistic flair. Furthermore, the team has already demonstrated its expertise at numerous competitions: in 2016 at the International Fireworks Competition in San Sebastián, in 2014 at the Champions International Competition in Bilbao (1st place), in 2011 at the Castellón Fireworks Festival, and in 2009 at the Pyronale in Berlin.

Ticket Sales and Services

Tickets for the International Fireworks Competition are available in the online shop at www.hannover.de/onlineshop, where they can also be printed as e-tickets. Tickets can also be purchased in advance for 21 euros (reduced price: 18 euros) at the Hannover Tourist Information Office, Ernst-August-Platz 8, as well as at all known ticket outlets. All tickets are valid as a ticket for travel on the GVH (2nd class) on the day of the event, starting 3 hours before the start and until 5:00 a.m. the following day. Stop: Herrenhäuser Gärten, lines 4 and 5.
Ticket hotline: +49 (0)511 / 12345-123.

If tickets for a particular day of the event sell out in advance, there will be no box office sales.

For anyone who would like to combine a visit to the International Fireworks Competition with an overnight stay in Hanover, the HMTG has put together the “Hanover Explosive” experience package: www.hannover.de/explosiv.

Images for editorial use and other press materials are available at www.hannover.de/feuerwerk-presse.

Other dates in 2017:

June 10 Austria, steyrFire

August 19 England, Pyrotex Fireworx

September 2 Poland, SUREX

September 16 USA, Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks

© Astondoa Pyrotechnics

Review

Astondoa Pyrotechnics

The Spanish team "Astondoa Piroteknia" opened the 27th International Fireworks Competition on May 20.

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