AUSTRALIA: Australian music legend Russell Morris brought his Farewell Tour to a dazzling close last month with a spectacular performance at the Sydney Opera House — an event befitting the iconic artist’s storied career. Tasked with shaping the visual atmosphere for this milestone concert, lighting designer Matt Devine took full advantage of the venue’s formidable lighting inventory, crafting a show that celebrated both Morris’s legacy and the artistry of modern stage lighting.

Show Technology Australia & New Zealand – the official distributors of Martin Professional in the country – confirmed that Matt’s lighting rig for Russell’s grand event at Sydney Opera House Concert Hall featured an impressive arsenal of Martin Professional fixtures, including 22 units of the MAC Viper XIP units delivering crisp, high-output beams that carved through the hall with precision; 14 units of the MAC One wash-beam hybrids whose compact form belied their punch and versatility; and an array of MAC Quantum Profiles and Quantum Washes — 17 units of each — providing an exquisite balance of power, texture, and saturated colour across the stage.

To expand on the already impressive rig and introduce greater dimensionality to the visual narrative, Matt integrated a custom floor package comprising 5 additional units of the MAC Quantum Profiles and 6 units of the MAC Quantum Washes, artfully positioned to create dynamic crosslight and immersive backlight effects. These were reinforced by 4 units of the LED Blinders and 4 units of the Claypaky Stormy CC Strobes, lending bursts of intensity and rhythmic punctuation that mirrored the emotional highs of the performance.

“I was really honoured to be able to work with Russell on his final tour, ending at the Opera House was a fitting way to finish his touring career,” commented Matt. “Thanks to everyone involved for making it such an incredible tour/experience.”

The result was a powerful visual send-off — a vibrant fusion of colour, movement, and light that perfectly complemented Morris’s emotional finale, underscoring the enduring synergy between music and technology.