LCI Productions, a leading multimedia show design and production company, has revealed details of how it transformed Athens’ SNFCC Canal into a musical masterpiece.
Situated in the heart of Athens, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) stands as one of Europe’s leading cultural destinations. Welcoming more than three million visitors each year, the centre hosts a vibrant programme of events, from concerts and performances to community activities and gardening workshops.
Designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano and completed in 2016, the SNFCC features an impressive 12,000-square-metre seawater canal that was created to bring the essence of the sea into the complex. While originally used for sailing and kayaking classes, the canal has since been transformed into the stage for a spectacular musical fountain show that captivates visitors from around the world.
World-class water show
The fountain show, named The Dancing Fountains, opened in 2019 in collaboration with the Greek National Opera (GNO). It officially launched with a live performance from the Greek National Opera Orchestra in front of 18,000 attendees, instantly establishing the installation as a cultural highlight.
During this special event, GNO’s orchestra, conducted by Elias Voudouris, presented five musical pieces upon which the fountains were choreographed to dance to the music.
Now, the daily shows choreograph water, light, and music to take visitors on an emotional journey, from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and grand operatic scores to orchestral rock anthems and cinematic favourites like John Williams’ Harry Potter theme. The repertoire also celebrates the work of composers including Michael Nyman, Maurice Ravel, Tchaikovsky, and Richard Strauss.
"With this project, we knew we needed to deliver something high-impact, but also visually beautiful, that complemented the architecture and surroundings of the centre," says Rob Paul, design director at LCI Productions.
"We worked closely with Gabriella Triantafyllis, chief artistic programming and production officer at the SNFCC, to develop a series of shows that not only suited the space but would also draw visitors from across the city and beyond."
See also: LCI Productions: crafting immersive attractions through artistry & innovation
Technical excellence
The fountain system consists of 59 vertical water jets, carefully aligned with the canal’s linear form to ensure a consistent viewing experience. This is complemented by 10 single-axis robotic moving jets, all integrated into a synchronised light, sound, and water display that captivates audiences day and night.
Special underwater LED lights add a dynamic visual dimension, enhancing the choreography and atmosphere.
"The fountains are as much a visitor attraction as the venue itself. They draw in thousands of visitors a year, and it's amazing to see everyone coming together to watch the shows," says Triantafyllis.
LCI Productions also manages ongoing system maintenance and upgrades to keep the performances flawless and energy-efficient.
"We recently upgraded the show control systems from Syncronorm Depence R1 to Syncronorm Depence R4," Paul says. "This significantly improved show visualisation, workflow, and programming ease, allowing us to better capture the movement of the music in the water. It makes each performance more expressive and immersive."
Choreographing music, water, and light
Creating the show is a careful balance of art and engineering. Each piece of music is analysed beat by beat, with water jets programmed to respond to rhythm, volume, and emotion.
"We layer dynamic LED effects that trace the water’s motion, enhancing the drama of each performance. Every fountain, light and robotic arm is treated like a dancer on stage," Paul says. "We map out the choreography so that it tells a story, following either the softer, emotive melodies or the cinematic climax of the music."
Motion-tracked systems and advanced control software ensure perfect synchronisation, while adaptive programming allows the team to refresh shows regularly, keeping the experience new for repeat visitors.
The result is a multi-sensory performance that engages sight, sound, and emotion all in equal measure.
The Dancing Fountains have become a symbol of the SNFCC’s commitment to blending culture, architecture, and technology, transforming a simple canal into a living, musical masterpiece. Visitors now come from around the world to see the seamless integration of water, light, and sound in this unforgettable experience.
Recently, LCI Productions revealed that it is working with Port Lympne Safari Park in Kent, UK, to design and produce a seasonal light trail experience. Opening next month, the inaugural light trail at the 600-acre park will feature unique characters and storylines, spectacular light and water shows, interactive elements, and holograms.
