Banijay expands live experience ‘Luminiscence’ to Hamburg

Banijay Germany brings the immersive experience “Luminiscence” to St. Michaelis Church in Hamburg, in collaboration with French immersive producer Lotchi, creator of “Luminiscence” and part of Banijay Live.

After Münster and Nuremberg, Hamburg will be the third German city to host the experience, which will premiere on July 2 and transform the monument into “a striking landscape of light, sound and history,” according to Banijay.

Since its launch in 2023, ‘Luminiscence’ has attracted more than one million visitors internationally, with immersive productions in some of the world’s most beautiful cathedrals, churches and historic monuments in eight countries including France, Spain, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Brazil and the US. ‘Luminiscence’ has been taken to more than twenty cities, with nine productions currently live.

While maintaining its core TV content business, Banijay Group has diversified into live events and sports in recent years with great success. The live experiences and other segment grew 18.2% last year from 336 million euros ($393 million) to 397 million euros ($465 million).

For St. Michaelis, “Luminiscence” will use state-of-the-art 360° projection technology, innovative lighting effects, original music compositions, live singing and organ music, with an ensemble of conductors, organists and a choir from the region. Singer Lucia Duchoňová and organists Magne H. Draagen and Paul Fasang will be present.

Ingrid Langheld, CEO of Banijay Germany Live, said: “‘Luminiscence’ has proven its ability to attract audiences from different cultures and bring history to life through technology and music. The continued expansion in Germany reflects both the strength of Lotchi’s creative concept and our team’s expertise in delivering experiences at scale. Bringing ‘Luminiscence’ to St. Michaelis is a milestone in our German journey and a fantastic example of how collaboration drives growth and business diversification.”

Alexander Röder, senior pastor at St. Michaelis, said: “This project reveals our bright and airy Baroque church in a unique way, beautifully bringing St. Michaelis and its eventful history to life for the public through light, music and narration.”

François de Brugada, CEO of Banijay Live, added: “When Lotchi joined Banijay Live, ‘Luminiscence’ had already proven its concept in four French cathedrals. A year later, the show is successfully seen in Europe, UK, USA and Brazil – powered by Banijay Entertainment’s leading network of local talent. St. Michaelis in Hamburg is once again a perfect match between the bold creative and technical vision of ‘Luminiscence’ and the exceptional local expertise of Banijay Germany.’

“Luminiscence” in St. Michaelis is produced by Banijay Germany Live and Cape Cross.