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Brucknerhaus Linz Transitions to Energy-Efficient LED Lighting with ETC

Written by Katherine Stamp | Mar 27, 2025 3:00:00 PM
The Brucknerhaus Linz, a prominent cultural venue in Austria, recently upgraded its lighting systems, transitioning from halogen fixtures to energy-efficient LED technology. Opened in 1974 with a performance by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under Herbert von Karajan, the venue remains a significant part of Europe’s cultural landscape. The recent upgrade involved ETC’s Irideon and ArcSystem LED lighting, improving both energy efficiency and the quality of lighting throughout the venue.

Why LED?

The shift to LED lighting was motivated by the energy-saving potential and long-term sustainability benefits of the technology. However, finding the right solution required careful planning and testing. Wolfgang Friedinger, Head of Lighting at Brucknerhaus Linz, explained, “We conducted a lot of tests, but nothing really satisfied us until we discovered ETC’s ArcSystem.”

The ArcSystem stood out for its ability to replicate the warmth and smooth dimming of traditional halogen lights, especially with its Red Shift effect, which maintains a natural glow as lights dim. “You’d honestly believe you were looking at halogen fixtures,” Friedinger added, highlighting the system's seamless performance in low-light settings.

Meeting the Orchestra’s Needs

The upgrade also involved updating the orchestra lighting, which required input from the musicians themselves. They specified their lighting preferences, including brightness levels on their music stands. The LED solution was tailored to meet these needs, delivering results that seamlessly integrated into their experience. “The musicians didn’t even notice the switch to LED technology,” Friedinger noted, a testament to the system’s unobtrusiveness and quality.

Comprehensive Upgrades Across the Venue

The Grand and Medium Halls, as well as work and orchestra lighting systems, were revamped using ETC’s ArcSystem Pro fixtures. These include fade-to-warm models for a natural lighting effect. ETC’s advanced control systems, such as Mosaic architectural controls and Eos family consoles, were also installed to provide precision and flexibility in managing the new setup.

Installed Lighting Systems at Brucknerhaus Linz:

  • 30x Irideon WLZ 3000K: Accent lighting under the balcony.
  • 99x ArcSystem Pro Eight-Cell, Fade-to-Warm, 3000K: Hall lighting.
  • 75x ArcSystem Pro Four-Cell Linear, Fade-to-Warm, 3000K: Orchestra lighting over the stage.
  • 48x ArcSystem Pro Two-Cell, Fade-to-Warm, 3000K.
  • 140x ArcSystem Pro One-Cell Small, Fade-to-Warm, 3000K, 60°: Under-balcony hall lighting.
  • 140x ArcSystem D1 drivers.


The LED upgrade ensures that the Brucknerhaus Linz continues to provide an exceptional experience for performers and audiences alike while embracing modern, energy-efficient technology.