Hein Hofmeester (Pyrotechnician)

Born in Leeuwarden (1946) Hein Hofmeester finished his technical studies at "Academie Minerva" in Groningen in 1971. He started his career as a pyrotechnician in the family company "Schuurmans", founded in 1821, which is the oldest fireworksfactory in Holland. The introduction of the pyromusicals in the eighties was the challenge for Hein Hofmeester to study this new type of fireworks shows. His know-how, experience and enthousiasm have resulted in several international awards for his multi-media shows. Will he take an early retirement after this show?

Paul Philipsen (Pyro designer\choreographer)

After a brief career in theatre as a technician he started in 1990 his own company, now called Pyrofoor de Amsterdam. He introduced digital firing systems in the Dutch pyromusical tradition. Due to his roots in the theatre his pyrotechnical designs are known for its dramatic views. He combines sculpture, dance and pyrotechnics in order to entertain his audience. That’s why he performs at the royal wedding in Holland Amsterdam, as well as in huge football stadiums during dance events. He collects his inspiration travelling around the world. Therefore he is grafeful for the experiences in Spain, France, Mexico and Malta. He loves to mix ancient styles and cultures with modern digital techniques. It is his goal to touch your senses. Enjoy! (www.pyro4.nl)

Gerben Kuipers (Organizer of Events)

Gerben Kuipers studied at the University of Wageningen. In 1974 he became director of the Dutch "Filmliga" and founded a cinema. Since 1990 he applies himself to open air events, combining film, music, live acts and fireworks. His shows resulted in large scale projects of international allure: EUREKA (1991) Rotterdam; Dutch presentation at the Film Festival at Cannes (1992 and 1996), World Liberty Concert (1995) Arnhem, the Opening of the Erasmus Bridge (1996) Rotterdam and the opening of the European soccer championship "Euro 2000". His newest project is showing the movie "A Bridge too far" on the actual bridge near Arnhem.

Michael Helmerhorst (Artistic Director)

From 1969 till 1972 Michael Helmerhorst studied mime at Amsterdam Theatre School. Together with his fellow students he co-founded the Technical Theatre Group "PERSPECT". Helmerhorst directed, wrote the scripts and produced several performances all over Europe. His favourite working areas are: visual comedy, music theatre and audio-visual productions. He created the musical scripts for the pyroanimation "FIRIETY" (1991) and the pyromusicals "100 Ans de Cinéma" (1995) and "Around the World in 30 Minutes" (1997)

Gerrit van Dijk (Animator)

After finishing his education at the Academy of Arts and architecture in Tilburg, Gerrit van Dijk made paintings and aquarelles, which were nationally and internationally exhibited. As an extension of his work as a painter, he became active as a filmmaker. Since 1971, both animation films and moving pictures have been the essence of his work. "Haast een hand" at the Film Festival Cannes (1983); "Pas de Deux" awarded with a Golden Bear at Berlin Film Festival (1989); "I Move, so I am" awarded with a Golden Conch at the Mumbai Intenational Film Festival at Bombay (1998) and "A Good Daily Turn" won a Golden Calf at the Dutch Film Festival (1999). Producer of several sketched storyboards of pyromusicals, such as "Firiety"; "100 Ans de Cinénema in the Air’; "Around the World in 30 minutes", and "Invasion of the Colours".