Le Mondial SAQ 2003
Montréal International Fireworks Competition Report

Considering this was a manually fired display, not a bad effort but, unfortunately, noticeably below the par of the competition this year. There were some interesting moments, particularly the crackle sequence to Storm by Vanessa Mae, but with an emphasis on candles throughout the display, just not enough visible synchronization to be an effective pyromusical. Despite a strong musical theme, the rhythm was spoiled by just too many episodes of dark sky during periods of narration. If the audience has to be told what they're seeing, then there is a problem!

Excellent theme and artistic design with a good choice of music and some fantastic product. Amazing Maltese Raddiena was unfortunately swallowed by its distance from the audience and too many distracting shells and comets. Otherwise, very well designed and choreographed, with a nice mix of serene moments and intense sections, but probably too many mini finalés at the end of some of the tableaux. Very memorable were the Chinese lanterns floating on the lake, some great comet sequences to the plucks of harp strings. An interesting choice of music which very well reflected the theme of the display. Very bad luck with the technical problem in the last 90 seconds of the finalé which will mean this display is just outside of the winners.

Not really obvious what the theme was, but a very impressive display nevertheless. Fantastic nautical shells, especially the tapieta and a great Italian finalé, but not quite as great as some we've seen in the past. Trademark rainbow candle and mine sequence was excellent, but the main problem with the display was that it was very similar to other Parente displays I've seen in that it contained the same sequences. But that said, the first display of the year to ellicit a Wow in my notes. The choice of music appeared to appeal to popular tastes rather than being part of a defined theme. Bound to be popular with the jury, but just outside the top three in my opinion.

At the limit of what can be achieved by a manually fired display with generally good synchronization considering the complexity. Interesting special effects such as the burning lake and the large fireballs. An interesting musical theme, but this could have been better exploited with electronic firing. With the level of the competition being so high this year, will not be amongst the winners, but a display at a higher level than the French entrant in my opinion.

After an interesting debut in 2001, there were great expectations for this display. Unfortunately, those expectations were sadly missed. Surprising was the lack of the use of the lake. This is understandable for a debutante, but was missed opportunity here. Noticably less product than all the other displays, and just not enough dramatic moments - even the finale was somewhat less than I expected. The choice of music seemed to be based more on popularity than any organization into a theme. After the innovations of Groupo Luso last year, a big disappointment, the title of Magical Moments just not being appropriate I'm afraid.

Probably the most well-defined theme of the competition this was a very well designed display. However, many of the sequences were familiar from the previous entry by this team in 2000 and they didn't always work well with the music. Also surprising was the lack of use of the lake, except from some bengals/strobes. Nevertheless, a very good display overall though the finale was not quite in proportion to the rest of the display. Will be fighting with Italy for a place on the winner's podium.

A very well designed and tastefully executed display, with a good range of levels of intensity. Very interesting use of the extra firing ramp, though the lake itself was sadly neglected, save for a few bengals/strobes. Excellent use of colour, especially the very dramatic colour change in the finale. Good choice of music, though it wasn't altogether obvious what the theme was. Bound to be a winner.

Very well designed and seamlessly choreographed complex display with perfect synchronization. Great use of the lake and lots of interesting angles used for firing comets. Reasonable variation in rate and rhythm, though a few places for the audience to catch their breath would have been appreciated. The final determinant of this display's position amongst the winners will be the music. To my taste, some pieces sounded too similar to each other and I heard others say they didn't like it. If the jury liked the music, could well be the Gold Jupiter winner, if not, then most likely Silver. An excellent effort as a debut display though.

The only victim of bad weather, both during the setup and the display itself. Very good material used, excellent use of the lake and a good strong soundtrack. Unfortunately, the Movies theme has been done before and a couple of the pieces are on their way to becoming pyromusical clichés. Brilliant finale with an excellent progression of the fireworks with the music. In other parts of the display, the good synchronization that was seen in some of the tableaux was not so evident from the choice of material used. Just pipped at the post for a place amongst the finalists.