Bergson Kunstkraftwerk Munich Goes Full-On Alcons

Over 200 Alcons systems deliver exceptional sound throughout the groundbreaking new cultural venue

© Simon Haseneder

The Bergson Kunstkraftwerk in Munich stands as one of Germany’s most ambitious cultural projects to date. Set within a former listed power station, this visionary space fuses historic architecture with cutting-edge technology and world-class performance standards. Privately funded and designed to host art, culture, cuisine, and events under one roof, Bergson required audio solutions that matched its high artistic and technical expectations. After extensive testing and system simulations, Alcons Audio was chosen to supply the sound reinforcement for the entire venue.

According to Josy Friebel, Technical Director at Bergson Kunstkraftwerk, “The technical concept of Bergson needed to go far beyond a concert hall solution. Every space had to meet top-level standards for both artistic productions and corporate events. As a privately funded institution with no government subsidy, the focus was on sustainability and cost-efficiency without compromising quality. Through research, product comparison, and testing, we defined the optimal sound solution for each individual space.”

the Atrium

Tailored Sound Solutions for Diverse Spaces

Bergson includes a wide variety of performance areas, each with its own acoustic profile. These include the large-scale concert hall Elektra Tonquartier, a flexible 300-square-meter event space called Freiraum, the more intimate Salon and Studio rooms, the high-energy jazz and live performance venue Barbastelle, and the spacious Atrium, which offers an open-plan, 25-meter-high event setting.

To ensure consistent sound quality across such diverse environments, the Munich-based integrator Bärwinkel & Straßer GmbH was responsible for system design, acoustic simulations, and full installation of the audio infrastructure.

the Atrium event

Why Alcons Audio?

With only a few exceptions, every part of the Bergson Kunstkraftwerk features an Alcons Audio sound system. Each space was individually assessed to determine the best technical solution for its acoustic challenges.

Friebel explains: “Alcons has proven itself in complex venues like the Philharmonie im Gasteig, the Isarphilharmonie, and even in high-SPL spaces like the techno club Harry Klein. After comparing all potential manufacturers, conducting lab-based tests, and evaluating system behavior during the acoustic development of the Elektra Tonquartier, Alcons was clearly the best choice. Their systems convinced us across the board—from sound quality and flexibility to long-term scalability and operating consistency across the venue, which also simplified technical training for our team.”

Sven Bärwinkel, co-founder of Bärwinkel & Straßer, adds:

“The sonic superiority of Alcons Audio is immediately noticeable. Their systems clearly stand apart from the competition in both fidelity and intelligibility. We also had outstanding support from Carsten Albrecht at Alcons, who provided expert guidance throughout the process. Just as important, Alcons offers targeted solutions for each application and the results precisely match the simulations.”

Immersive Audio at Elektra Tonquartier

The Elektra Tonquartier is a world-class concert hall that combines Müller-BBM’s Vivace electronic room acoustics system with 148 Alcons loudspeakers and amplifiers.

the Elektra Tonquartier

The immersive audio system includes 76 Alcons CRMSC-SRHV/120 wide-dispersion surround speakers. These are complemented by four Alcons SR9 ultra-compact in-fill monitors for precise front-area coverage. Ten of Alcons’ latest-generation Director6 8-channel amplifiers provide amplification and DSP for the surround system.

For the main LCR sound system, 30 Alcons LR15 compact pro-ribbon line-array modules are deployed—arranged in three hangs of ten to create left, center, and right arrays. Bass reinforcement is handled by two flown subwoofer arrays, each made up of three Alcons LR18B cardioid subwoofer units. Additional low-frequency energy is supported by stage-side systems consisting of one QRP40 column speaker and one BC332 cardioid subwoofer on either side of the stage.

Stage monitoring is handled by eight Alcons WR20 monitors, while nearfield coverage for front-row seating is provided by three ultra-compact Alcons VR5 point-source monitors. Seven Sentinel10 amplifiers drive the main PA and stage monitoring systems.

the Elektra Tonquartier with Jazzrausch Bigband

The detailed planning of the Elektra sound system was the result of extensive measurement and listening tests conducted by Müller-BBM. Acousticians Gunter Engel and Marcus Blome defined loudspeaker placement and alignment, while Sven Bärwinkel was responsible for the core PA design. Full integration, including signal networking, custom mounting solutions, and system control, was handled in-house by the Bergson technical team under the leadership of Katharina Ciop, Florian Lochner, and Josy Friebel.

Friebel highlights the sonic performance: “Two aspects make Alcons truly unique. First, the precise dispersion of their high-frequency systems allows us to define sound zones with surgical accuracy—especially with the line-arrays, which demand extreme attention to angling and placement. Second, the systems maintain faithful reproduction of acoustic instruments at all SPLs. Instruments sound natural, not amplified. That reduces EQ corrections and gives sound engineers creative freedom.”

© Sebastian Reiter

A Benchmark for Cultural Sound Design

The Elektra Tonquartier’s first months have demonstrated the system’s ability to handle everything from baroque and jazz to metal and electronic music – always delivering clean, dynamic sound. Particularly striking are performances by the Jazzrausch Bigband in the on-site live club Barbastelle, where the system shines in power, clarity, and control, even with complex arrangements.

Precision Sound in Every Room

Beyond the concert hall, Alcons Audio systems are deployed throughout the entire venue to ensure sonic consistency from room to room.

the Freiraum event

In the Freiraum multipurpose hall—measuring 300 square meters with a ceiling height of 5.8 meters and capacity for up to 300 people—the audio system features twelve Alcons LR7 micro line-array modules. These are supported by four VR5 mini point-source monitors for nearfield clarity, and low-end extension comes from two compact BF151mk2 subwoofers. Two Director6 amplifiers power the system.

the Barbastelle © Georg Stirnweiss

The Barbastelle Jazz Club, designed for concerts, comedy, and readings, is equipped with six ultra-compact Alcons VR5 monitors and two BF151mk2 subwoofers, driven by a single Director6 amplifier.

In the exclusive Salon lounge, which overlooks the industrial-style Kesselhalle, the system includes four Alcons VR8 compact point-source loudspeakers, powered by one ALC3 controller amplifier.

The venue’s largest and most flexible event space, the Atrium, covers 400 square meters and features a 25-meter ceiling. Here, the sound system consists of ten Alcons VR8 compact point-source loudspeakers, supplemented by four QRP40 column speakers for wide dispersion. Two BC332 cardioid subwoofers provide deep, controlled bass. The entire setup is powered by three Sentinel10 amplifiers.

A Visionary Cultural Project

The Bergson Kunstkraftwerk was born from a vision by private investors Michael and Christian Amberger to create a space where art, culture, gastronomy, and events are equally accessible.

“This level of private initiative is rare and exemplary in Europe. It’s like looking through a telescope into the future of cultural infrastructure,” says Sven Bärwinkel.

Friebel concludes: “Our partnership with Bärwinkel & Straßer and Alcons Audio went far beyond a typical vendor relationship. It was marked by open dialogue, shared goals, and mutual trust. From concept to commissioning, we completed the Elektra Tonquartier in under 18 months—a timeline only made possible through close collaboration. Bärwinkel & Straßer were involved from the first listening tests and simulations to final installation.”

The result is a new benchmark in the design and execution of sound systems for multi-functional cultural venues. Together, Bärwinkel & Straßer, the Bergson technical team, and Alcons Audio have shown how high-end performance, intelligent design, and sustainable investment can come together in a single, forward-looking concept.

For more information, please visit www.bergson.com and www.baerwinkel-strasser.de .

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