Some of the lighting fixtures in the 1971 opera house of the Kennedy Center were a gift of the Austrian state. The original design by Hans Harald Rath was no longer wanted after his death, and his son Peter thus designed a completely new concept in just a few days. Workers from four different trade unions were involved in the assembly of the complex, multi-part chandelier ensemble, and the Lobmeyr owner was also happy to lend a hand—an offer which was apparently not welcome in Washington. When Peter Rath was seen connecting electrical wires, the workers quickly made it clear via the loudspeaker system that they would stage a walkout if he took away any more of their work, saying, “Mr. Rath, if you touch the tools again we will go on strike.” The majestic chandeliers grace the opera with more than 12,000 hand-cut crystals, 130 Starburst elements, and nearly 2,000 light bulbs.