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Banijay is expanding its “Luminiscence” immersive experience franchise in the U.S. with an installation at New York’s iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral that opens Oct. 1.
To take viewers through the experience as narrator,
the Banijay Live unit behind the “Luminiscence” business has tapped an actor who has logged more than a few miles in Jesus’ robes, Jonathan Roumie of “The Chosen” Bible-themed films and TV episodes.
“Luminiscence” was created as an enveloping experience light, music and choral performances by comes to one of the U.S.’s most iconic spiritual addresses — on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue — after drawing 2 million visitors across 20 productions in eight countries including France, Spain, the U.K., Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Brazil and smaller locations in the United States. The offerings at St. Patrick’s will vary as will ticket prices, depending on the extent of the experience.
“Jonathan Roumie was the natural choice to lend his voice to ‘Luminiscence’ at St. Patrick’s
Cathedral in New York. His ability to bring authenticity, depth, and humanity to every
performance makes him an ideal creative partner for an experience that invites audiences to
step inside the story in a deeply meaningful way,” said Ben Samek, CEO of Banijay Americas. “We’re building on an audience that already has a strong connection to this remarkable experience while creating a new way for them to engage with it.”
Roumie said the work on “Luminiscence” at St. Patrick’s was meaningful to him as a “born-and-raised New Yorker.” The majestic structure “has always been a hallowed icon of faith, architecture and New York itself. Amidst the noisy grind of the city that refuses to sleep, one can find stillness, beauty, and peace among its graceful Gothic arches,” he said.
“Luminiscence” was created by Lotchi, a unit of Banijay Live devoted to creating immersive experiences “designed to spark inspiration and wonder,” per the company. St. Patrick’s fits the bill nicely as North America’s largest Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral.
“St. Patrick’s isn’t just a spectacular venue, it’s a place where generations of New Yorkers have
gathered to celebrate and to hope, said Romain Sarfati, co-founder of Lotchi and creator of
“Luminiscence.” “Every element of our show, the choir, the orchestra, the projections at the
millimeter, is designed with that weight in mind. We’re not adding light to St. Patrick’s. We’re helping it reveal what’s already there.”
Performances will run through the end of this year. Leaders of the beloved institution, including Ronald Hicks, Archbishop of New York, are eagerly anticipating the crowds that will be intrigued by the “Luminiscence” installation.
“We are grateful for partners like ‘Luminiscence’ who share our commitment to caring for this historic space and inviting new generations to encounter it, be uplifted, and give glory to God – including the organ that has filled this Cathedral with music for nearly a century and that we are committed to preserving for a century more,” Hicks said.
