Closing of the 20th edition of the Montreal International Fireworks Competition at La Ronde
The winner of the Mondial SAQ’s unique platinum Jupiter to be revealed at the “La Ronde Around the World” closing ceremony

Montréal, July 27, 2004 – A fever runs high throughout the entire fireworks industry today. At 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28, on the floating stage in La Ronde’s Lac des Dauphins, the winner of the one and only platinum Jupiter in the Coupe du monde - SAQ Special 20th Anniversary Edition of the Montreal International Fireworks Competition will finally be revealed. Following the closing ceremony, La Ronde will present “La Ronde Around the World,” an extraordinary pyromusical celebration in tribute to the 9 countries who have won a gold Jupiter over the course of the competition’s last 19 years.

Once again, the public will have the opportunity to be dazzled by the originality, talent and daring of the master pyrotechnicians from Panzera S.A.S. live at La Ronde’s Place du Canada. Reserved seat tickets (including access to a majority of rides) are available at www.lemondialsaq.com or through ADMISSION at (514) 790-1245 or toll-free at 1-800-361-4595.

This year, the Mondial SAQ celebrated the 20th anniversary of La Ronde’s traditional fireworks competition in a very special way: the creation of an international championship, the Coupe du monde SAQ – 20th Anniversary Edition. Since June 12, eight former gold Jupiter winners from seven countries, including Spain, Japan, Italy, Holland, China, France and Germany came to compete for the fireworks industry’s highest distinction, the first platinum Jupiter.

This unique distinction, awarded for the first time in 20 years, is a highly valued honour and fans throughout Greater Montréal witnessed the world’s most original pyromusical exhibitions where tradition, creativity and interactivity were combined in perfect harmony and rhythm, elevating the pyrotechnical art to brand new heights.

Spectators were treated to the sounds of a live symphony orchestra, thrilled to extraordinary concepts, marvelled at towers stretching 28 metres above them, were dazzled by eye-popping firefalls, and were able to experience dozens of new pyrotechnical pieces, new special effects and even new fireworks colours.

To judge this edition’s presentations, which promised to be the greatest collection of pyrotechnics ever seen in Montreal, the organisation enlisted 20 former members of the jury to evaluate the competitors’ performances according to the quality of the pyrotechnical pieces, the pyromusical concept, the synchronisation and the overall appreciation.

At 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, La Ronde will present an out-of-competition fireworks exhibition called, “La Ronde Around the World.” During this pyromusical journey, the master pyrotechnicians from Panzera S.A.S. will pay tribute to the 9 countries that have won a gold Jupiter since the competition’s founding in 1985. Spectators will take a musical journey from Canada to Japan, passing through Europe and the United States.

For this extraordinary presentation, Pierre Walder, musical and artistic director, has prepared a very special repertoire. In all, 27 themes will be presented on 10 different tableaux, from an opening peek at 20 years of the Montreal International Fireworks Competition through 9 tableaux of two or three songs for each of the gold Jupiter winners to a grand finale from the celebrated Riverdance.

Above and beyond the music, the famous Italian pyrotechnical creator, Pierpaolo Serafino has developed an especially unique show. He has taken on the mission of representing each of the winning countries by using not only their own products, but also their unique fireworks styles. Spectators will travel the world of pyrotechnics on the wings of chrysanthemum bombs, serpents, butterflies, aquatic pieces, crackers, whistlers, comets and candles finally reaching a powerfully emotional crescendo.

For those who wish to prolong the fun, each fireworks night La Ronde’s Jardin des Étoiles hosts a series of free tribute shows under the theme “20 years ago.” The shows will be presented twice during the evening, at 8:45 p.m. and 11 p.m., and are accessible on a first come first served basis.

On Wednesday, July 28, La Ronde will present “Tribute to Disco” with the celebrated Boogie Wonder Band. After performing more than 100 shows around the world, the Boogie Wonder Band already has thousands of fans in Japan, Europe, the United States and Canada. Young and younger will love dancing to the best melodies of the disco era. Energy, fun and great memories you really shouldn’t miss!

The Coupe du monde SAQ fireworks will be presented at 10 p.m., rain or shine. On fireworks nights, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge is closed to all vehicles from 8 p.m. until the end of the show.

"Le Mondial SAQ" is produced by La Ronde in partnership with the Société des alcools du Québec. For more information, call (514) 397-2000 or visit our Web site at www.lemondialsaq.com.

Organizers would like to thank Tourisme Québec, CFCF/CTV, TVA, La Presse and 107.3 Cité Rock Détente for their indispensable role in promoting this internationally renowned event. Pyrotechnicians travel with Air Canada and stay at Montreal’s Marriott Château Champlain. Official supplier to the event is Molson Brewery.

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This Panzera display is going to be a blast and might be unique, since it's the 20th anniversary!

I think I'll be going eralier tomorrow and get up to Notre-Dame.

I really can't wait! The feeling of the winner is so exciting! Anyways, at 9:00 P.M, all will be revealed.

Regards,

Trav.

This looks like an interesting closing display.
Thanks for the press release!

badnitrus,

Are you planning on taping some parts of the show?

If you do, make sure that your batteries are fully charged! You still have my gratittude of getting most of that Spanish ending. You really did a great job!

Even if you don't plan to, we can view always view them on Le Mondial SAQ web site. I still haven't viewed some of those clips.

Regards,

Trav.