Yet another fireworks season has come and gone, but, like in last year’s (2015) case, I believe it felt even faster due to the combination of the latest start date in the competition’s history (July 2nd), and a closing date that was even earlier, so the duration of the 2016 edition was very compressed, not even lasting over a full month (all displays confined to July). Interestingly, near-similar to 2015, the opening evening was somewhat less enjoyable due to the unseasonably cool and windy conditions present at the time. Ultimately, despite the short nature of the season, it turned out to be an interesting one under several respects.
Firstly, though, I would like to say that it has been much more difficult this year to travel to the area. Traveling from all the way from the SW West Island is already difficult, but because of the nature of this year’s construction activities, notably on the Turcot interchange, we were forced to take other venues to reach the same destination. Ultimately, returning home has been even worse because of the way traffic has been directed near Notre-Dame and Rene-Levesque Streets. This was an important delaying factor since 2015, as traffic became more often diverted away from the Ville-Marie tunnel, but since the construction projects of this year on the interchange, even if the tunnel was not inaccessible, we would not be able to make use of it, anyway. Furthermore, we discovered that our usual parking lot was closed off this year due to a planned installment of, presumably, a small office building or apartment of some sort. A similar project prevented us from parking in our previous parking lot six years ago, in 2010, and we were then forced to park where we used to, that is, up to the end of last year. Luckily, we found another parking lot not too far away, but I question how long that will last!
Just to say a few words about the weather. Although only eight fireworks nights, we managed to observe weather conditions that had a similar degree of variability to what was witnessed in 2015. The absolute coolest nights occurred during the opening and Canadian displays, but the opening felt purely the chilliest due to the lack of higher humidity, and because of breezy westerly winds taking place concurrently. At the other end of the spectrum, the warmest conditions occurred during Sweden’s show (much like they did for the final entrant of 2015 – France 2015), followed by Chile’s evening. The most pleasant conditions were present during the American display, with a sufficient balance of moisture, temperature and wind that satisfied most preferences held by many. The Spanish observed the highest humidity of all the displays. Unfortunately, two of the displays met with unsettled weather during actual presentation dates, including the Canadian display and Spanish display, with the Spanish facing particularly significant rainfall from strong to severe thunderstorms during the early-afternoon. Thunderstorms/convective rainfall did threaten the Swedish display, and distant lightning was observed nearly half an hour after the show, towards the East end. Rainfall never coincided with the 10:00-10:30 p.m. time frame for any display, however. Winds were also fairly frequently blowing toward the La Ronde audience this year, with smoke heading in that direction for four of the eight displays, with one of these four more partially (Sweden). On other nights, we saw the smoke move in other directions, including anomalously once moving nearly directly away from the audience (during Canada’s display), and once towards the bridge (Chile’s display). Strong winds never once threatened any show this year, but the breeziest conditions occurred during the opening. By contrast, Switzerland observed the weakest winds.
Although I have internally complained somewhat about the shortness of the season these last two years, seeing the big picture, I would like to express my thanks to the organizers for making this competition possible again for yet another year altogether. Indeed, we must always remember how fortunate we are to see such displays, so just knowing that competition continues to remain lively is good news in itself. Of course, I also thank Paul for keeping the forum alive and active, and for, yet again, taking the time to provide us with detailed inside information concerning each display! As stated previously, I similarly thank Mylene for all of her work in conducting interviews and bringing us additional information! My thanks to Bob Burch for kindly supplying video footage of the displays on-site for a seventh consecutive year! Additionally, I thank Fred for so kindly sharing with us his full-length videos of the Canadian and Spanish displays! Many thanks to all of our photographers (Bob, Rachel, and Mylene) for continuously sharing their spectacular photos this year! Finally, although it has most certainly been quite possibly the quietest year for montrealfireworks.com, I extend my thanks to all forum members for their continued participation on the forum and continuing to share all of their thoughts and insightful commentaries of each display (and in other discussions)!
Below are my summaries for each display, highlighting what I assessed as strong and weak aspects of the shows. Following this, you will find my personal predictions for the jury's decision, as well as my personal choices for the winners. Afterwards, for the fun of it, I have added subsequent sections for various criteria (such as best choice of music, best finales, best sequencing, etc.) and place those participants best suited for each in accordance with my personal tastes.
Participating country: Chile
Company: Pirotecnia SPA
Date of presentation: July 6th, 2016
Typical July-like weather made an appearance for Chile’s performance, with late-evening temperatures of 26-27 C (the second warmest fireworks evening), high humidity and light NNW to pure northerly winds. This meant that rapidly accumulating smoke would be blowing towards spectators on the bridge closest to the park, and eventually towards the Old Port. An isolated cluster of non-severe thunderstorms also took form by late-afternoon but remained largely North of the firing site, just over the East end.
This was a fantastic performance produced by the Chilean team, especially considering a first-time display in this competition! Indeed, while expectations were not overly high, this performance turned out to be really engaging, immersive and offered some very interesting sequences, at times. The color richness was, in my mind, the greatest of all competitors this year, often appearing in very delicate and beautiful mixtures. The quality of the materials used was superb. Synchronization was good, but it became more intricate into the second half of the display. This display offered the best finale of the year, as well, for me, in addition to the overall most enjoyable musical selection. The theme of “A Musical Ride”, however, was appeared to be a little too simple and sometimes vaguely highlighted, leading to a more general conceptual and pyromusical design. I also found that the segments, likely due to being extremely numerous, felt rushed from one to the other, and so transitions and emotional feelings were not always seamless, which, to me, affected the integrity of the show. The choreography also appeared highly variable, at times, from a basic music-fireworks connection to a more creative one, even within some individual segments.
Overall, a fantastic introductory display by Chile, but the lesser degree of complexity, relative to the higher standards we have observed later in the season, may prevent them from being awarded with a Jupiter. That said, I suspect the nature of the engaging musical selection could very well earn them the Soundtrack Award.
Quality of pyrotechnical pieces = 13.5/15
Pyromusical design = 24.5/30
Technical design = 23/30
Soundtrack = 14/15
Synchronization = 8.5/10
Total: 83.5/100
Participating country: Canada
Company: Big Bang Fireworks
Date of presentation: July 9th, 2016
Steady rainfall and embedded non-severe thunderstorms made an appearance during the early-afternoon period, keeping temperatures unseasonably cool (17-18 C during the evening), but the air was also nearly saturated, causing high humidity at those temperatures. The saturated air and high humidity meant that smoke from the Canadian display would be accumulating rapidly, but light ENE winds gently pushed the smoke virtually directly away from the La Ronde audience, but, consequently, towards those spectators on Notre-Dame Street nearest to the bridge.
Unfortunately, fairly significant technical problems occurred in this display, in part associated with earlier weather conditions. Indeed, there had been many sections where asymmetry became increasingly prevalent, notably visible with the low-level sequences. There were, nevertheless, sections of this display worth highlighting. In particular, those bright flames that emerged during “Ring of Fire” offered some of the most memorable moments of the season, and the sequence of girandolas that introduced the finale. I thought the theme, “The Wild West”, was well represented (I think the most tenacious theme of all competitors) and had the most overall relevant musical choice. Indeed, the display had a real western feel to it, and some of the songs were actually quite enjoyable. Product quality, based on what was seen, was very good. Although it is difficult to criticize the display due to the technical problems, one negative point that comes to mind is the overall monochromatic nature of the display.
It was a real pity that the show suffered with these technical problems, for it appeared that there was so much potential for representation of the selected theme! It is difficult to grade this display, but based on what was seen, my scoring looks like this:
Quality of pyrotechnical pieces = 11.5/15
Pyromusical design = 23.5/30
Technical design = 22/30
Soundtrack = 13/15
Synchronization = 7.5/10
Total: 77.5/100
Participating country: Switzerland
Company: Sugyp
Date of presentation: July 16th, 2016
Comparatively more July-like weather made an appearance for the return of the Swiss team. Evening temperatures of 22-23 C, along with borderline moderate to high humidity, had been present. However, winds were very weak but were blowing very gently toward the La Ronde audience. The extreme variability of wind direction that is common under very light to calm winds was exemplified with the local observations. For example, on Notre-Dame Street, winds appeared to be coming from the SSW, but at La Ronde, winds were evidently westerly. However, given the extensive periods of serenity in this display, overall pyrotechnical material, and combined with lower humidity levels than what was observed during Hong Kong/China 2015, for example, prevented excessive smoke build up, despite very light to occasionally calm winds and fairly high humidity.
This was one of the more highly-anticipated displays of the 2016 season. Although a very different pyromusical design than their 2012 entry, I thought that it was extremely well executed, even in the absence of key elements that comprised the 2012 display (such as the pyroplane). This display raised the level of complexity by this point in the competition, where we had seen many moments of elaborate choreography, and many of the soundtracks were well represented through the pyrotechnics. Some of the most important sequencing occurred along low-level, where we saw some spectacular firing patterns with angled mines, gerbs and flares, as well as one-shots. This was notably most exemplary in the “Beautiful Creatures” segment, which, I thought, demonstrated some of the best sequencing observed this season. The theme, “Switzerland e-motions”, was unique and was very well portrayed. Throughout the display, we would see an arrangement of colorful comets that would eventually form various facial expressions, which often stunned the audience! The thundering nautical shells were extremely memorable, and the “bunny rabbit shells” (or Mickey Mouse) also led to reactions of astonishment. The salutes-only segment was likely my absolute favorite segment of the season, as it was so frightfully noisy and so luminous! This really did simulate a late-evening thunderstorm with vigorous lightning! The soundtrack was well edited and allowed for the correct emotional feelings attempted to be conveyed in the display. Product quality was excellent, and there was a nice array of effects used. However, some of the songs used did not feel overly connected to the theme, and the overall color selection appeared reserved, including during the finale. I was also expecting a little more from the finale since it felt eclipsed by earlier segments. There had also been some repetition with some firing patterns, mostly with respect to the way the upper-level shells were appearing in several segments.
Overall, a strong contender for a Jupiter award this year.
Quality of pyrotechnical pieces = 13.5/15
Pyromusical design = 26/30
Technical design = 27/30
Soundtrack = 12/15
Synchronization = 9/10
Total: 87.5/100
Participating country: United States
Company: Western Enterprises
Date of presentation: July 20th, 2016
Under the influence of high pressure, the most pleasant and ideal weather conditions of the season made an appearance for the returning American team, who suffered with weather-related problems on July 17th, 2010, when severe thunderstorms (the most severe that year) were in the area through the afternoon period. Temperatures of 22-23 C and moderate humidity took place, along with light SW winds (11-14 km/h), helping mildly accumulating smoke to drift fairly quickly to the right of the La Ronde audience. Quite possibly the largest crowd of the season was present for this display.
This was a much stronger performance delivered by Western Enterprises, with a much more tenacious display. The display took on a very different approach than the one in 2010, and its design was clearly much more tenacious and influential. Indeed, we saw many more moments of tighter synchronization attempts and pronounced creativity. The transitions in rhythm and pace were more defined, as well, and I really appreciated the one-shots, especially during the introduction of “Reflection of Earth”. The theme favored a much more colorfully-rich performance, and we did, in fact, see one of the most vibrant color selections of the season, often formulating interesting mixtures (such as in “Fix My Eyes” and “Dance Into The Light”) while highlighting very good product quality. Whereas the thematic connection was evident, its nature seemed overly simplified and perhaps restricted a higher degree of complexity in the display. There were many moments of fantastic choreography, but at other times, representation felt like it was more lacking to highlight certain musical elements. In addition, there were no nautical devices used in this display, and I thought that they would eventually appear later in it since their presence would have been appropriate in a selected few segments as we approached the penultimate section. I also thought that the soundtrack, which was mostly enjoyable, would have benefitted more from additional editing to make the transitions appear more seamless. There were points where I felt that it was difficult to take in conveyed emotions accordingly before a sudden jump to another segment that was more filled with energy. It was also too bad that the technical problem prevented the finale from fully firing in the way it was intended.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable and much more successful display than the 2010 performance, but I feel that the more simplified design, like Chile, may cause the American team to miss the podium this year.
Quality of pyrotechnical pieces = 13/15
Pyromusical design = 24/30
Technical design = 25/30
Soundtrack = 12.5/15
Synchronization = 8.5/10
Total: 83/100
Participating country: Spain
Company: Ricasa
Date of presentation: July 23rd, 2016
Isolated clusters of strong to severe thunderstorms developed ahead of a secondary cold front boundary and attendant shortwave trough, making the Spanish display being the second of the season to be affected by early-afternoon heavy rainfall, but this time more significantly. Isolated convective showers and thunderstorms also persisted until just a little before sunset, but skies cleared out further by mid-evening, leaving mostly clear conditions (a few isolated clusters of cumulus and cirrus). The thunderstorms, however, did cause humidity to increase to even higher levels for the remainder of the day, which, combined with somewhat light westerly/WNW winds, did have an effect on the Spanish display with respect to smoke accumulations.
This was a simply outstanding display put on by the Spanish, and I am very happy to see that the severe weather from earlier did not induce significant technical problems (as what more likely occurred with the Canadians). This display quickly showed evidence that it would very likely be technically complex, especially given the number of one-shots and cues specified in Paul’s reports previously! Yes, we did, in fact, see many dramatic moments in this display, highlighted by often highly sophisticated choreography and, thus, pyromusical design. Virtually every firing angle was considered, and the single-shots were extremely elaborate and were most exemplary during the “Number 1 Piano Concerto” segment, easily being the most coordinated segment of the season (and one of the most in the competition’s history). Many segments, including the opening, were extremely well structured and prepared for representation, often using the correct effects to highlight certain elements that comprised most soundtrack. Product quality was very good, and the arsenal of pyrotechnic material was quite diversified. The kamuro nautical shells were also great, but the smoke tended to drown them out quickly to have a more dramatic effect, and they were not nearly as dramatic as Switzerland’s! The musical choices were mostly enjoyable, with some having a real theatrical atmosphere to them, which highlighted the theme of “Cinemagia”. For me, however, some of the soundtrack seemed out of place with the theme, and while the theme appeared evident, its essence seemed more elusive, at times. The display was also more reserved with its overall color selection, which was a surprise for me since the theme allowed for a deeper exploration of larger ranges of color, including for the duration of the finale. The finale itself was powerful, but it needed to be a little more enduring, and, again, more color. It was easily my second favorite finale of the season, though, behind Chile’s! More significantly, I thought that some of the songs needed to be shortened (others lengthened), particularly the piano segment, to leave room for potentially other relevant songs. All that said, I am confident that the Spanish team will appear on the podium this year.
Quality of pyrotechnical pieces = 13/15
Pyromusical design = 26/30
Technical design = 28/30
Soundtrack = 13/15
Synchronization = 10/10
Total: 90/100
Participating country: Sweden
Company: Göteborgs FyrverkeriFabrik AB
Date of presentation: July 27th, 2016
Very warm conditions (the warmest of the season: 27-28 C during the evening) made an appearance for this highly anticipated display. Winds were typically coming out lightly from the SW (WSW just a little above the surface), causing smoke to push towards right-hand to sometimes central (smoke from higher-level shells) sections of the La Ronde audience. High humidity also meant that smoke would be accumulating rapidly. An isolated cluster of thunderstorms also formed nearly half an hour after the conclusion of the display, just over the tip of the East end.
This was a very successful display, as most predicted it would be. There was a great diversity of effects and quality products to represent each of the segments, and the degree of color richness was simply superb, among the best this season. The display featured some of the greatest complexity this year, often using interesting firing angles that enriched the conceptual design of the display. The sky ladder structure had been utilized very effectively and added an interesting dimension to the display by amplifying low-level sequences. We also saw some exquisite use of single-shot devices to highlight key components of most of the soundtrack. The soundtrack itself was largely appropriate, enjoyable and was, overall, one of the most consistent with a respective theme this year. Transitions were very effective and quite clean! I thought that, however, some of the soundtrack could have been shortened to allow for other additional songs to be integrated to the display for more thematic tenacity, as well as more opportunities to accordingly evoke more emotions. Later on in the performance, drooping effects (in the form of horsetails) started to become a little redundant, and I would have liked to see more consistency with the level of detail during the introduction of the “I’ve Had The Time of My Life” segment.
Overall, a great display by team Sweden, and, along with Spain, there is a strong chance that this will be the Gold Jupiter winner!
Quality of pyrotechnical pieces = 14/15
Pyromusical design = 28/30
Technical design = 26/30
Soundtrack = 13.5/15
Synchronization = 9.5/10
Total: 91/100
I really enjoyed and was moved by all displays in unique ways, and all had great product quality. The splash of vibrant colors from the Chilean and American displays were really dazzling to watch, and both were filled with plentiful energy, enjoyable creativity and sequences. Chile also had the strongest finale, in my mind, and the most enthralling overall musical selection. That said, the complexity of the Chilean and American displays was limited, and the soundtracks in both needed, in my humble opinion, to be more carefully refined, edited and balanced for effective transitions and, therefore, a more tenacious pyromusical design. The Canadian display, despite its technical problems and lack of diversified coloring schemes, had an enjoyable approach due to a very explorative and well-represented theme (largely through the soundtrack). Switzerland, and more notably Spain, also had less of an arrangement of color, but the displays featured many complex and creatively choreographed segments that encompassed the designated themes. The one-shots in both displays were very well executed, but they were especially vivid with Spain and very frequent throughout their display. Switzerland produced very creative moments, as well, particularly the manner in which multiple segments concluded with facial expressions constructed with colorful comets, and the musical selections were more balanced in the amount of time allotted to each song. The theme, in its entirety, was also a little more understood for me than it was with Spain, although, like Spain, it became vague, at times, with some of the music chosen. The character of Spain’s display was technically more intricate and offered many more sections with highly sophisticated coordination while not being overly monotonous. Though both Switzerland and Spain had some repetition (in different ways), it was a little more prevalent with Switzerland’s firing patterns, giving a sense of less complexity. Sweden had a more significant selection of color, as compared to both the Spanish and Swiss displays, and I felt that its pyromusical design was somewhat more superior, mostly because of more consistency and enjoyment with the overall musical selection relative to its theme. Although Spain had a high degree of precision within its choreography, Sweden still achieved great complexity and synchronization with its design, and the show felt more complete somehow, perhaps because it featured a greater arsenal of effects and coloring schemes, and perhaps due to the show feeling a little less redundant. It may also be that the clarity of the theme came across as being more flexibly conveyed with Sweden, as compared to that of the Spanish. I also felt increasingly excited with more of Sweden’s and Switzerland’s segments than with Spain’s, and Sweden’s ideas from one segment to another mostly kept the display fresh.
As a result, I am strongly considering Sweden, Spain and Switzerland for the Jupiter awards. Given my commentaries, this is what my predictions and personal choices look like:
Trav’s jury prediction:
1st: Sweden
2nd: Spain
3rd: Switzerland
Green Achievement Award: I honestly cannot say!
Trav’s personal choice:
1st: Sweden
2nd: Spain
3rd: Switzerland
Best choice of music:
1. Chile
2. Sweden
3. Spain
4. Canada
Most intriguing effects:
1. Sweden
2. Spain
3. Switzerland
Best quality products:
1. Sweden
2. Switzerland
3. Spain
4. Chile
5. United States
Highest color richness:
1. Chile
2. United States
3. Sweden
Best devised and represented theme:
1. Sweden
2. Switzerland
3. Spain
Best sequences:
1. Spain
2. Sweden
3. Switzerland
4. Chile
5. United States
Most powerful/energetic displays:
1. United States
2. Chile
3. Switzerland
4. Sweden
Best opening segment:
1. Sweden
2. Switzerland
3. Spain
4. Chile
Top conclusions:
1. Chile
2. Spain
3. Sweden
Trav.
