IMAGINE standing on stage surrounded by the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s virtuoso musicians, feeling the energy of artistic director Richard Tognetti playing his priceless Guarneri del Gesu violin or getting up close to principal violinist Satu Vanska’s Stradivarius.
Aco Virtual, the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s world-first digital installation, promises this and more.
Fusing digital technologies with visual and sonic innovation, this ground-breaking interactive installation allows the audience to conduct and even play with the ACO.
Audiences can see the players’ lightning-quick hands in a way not possible in a concert hall, hear the unique sounds of the ACO’s multi-million-dollar collection of instruments.
A touch-screen “music stand” allows users to spotlight and listen to one musician, a section of instruments or their desired selection of players.
Audiences essentially step “inside” a concert and are immersed in a cinematic experience, surrounded by the musicians and manipulating what they hear and see, just like in a video game.
A supplementary education kit is also available.
The work runs for 30 minutes and comprises carefully selected music by Bach, Grieg, Smalley and Piazzolla, designed to maximise the opportunity for audience participation.
It delivers a unique and inspiring learning environment, giving people the opportunity to engage with – and learn from – world-class musicians they would not ordinarily have the chance to see performing on stage.
ACO general manager Timothy Calnin said ACO VIRTUAL was conceived as a way to reach communities in remote parts of Australia that would not have access to live performances by the ACO, but it had gone much further than that.
“This world-first digital installation enables visitors to get inside the orchestra and to play with the band,” he said.
The Glasshouse has put together a range of activities to enable the community to further engage with the ACO virtual experience, which include:.
* Mid North Coast Conservatorium Concerts on Friday 7, 14 and 21 February.
* Free lunchtime concerts by the Mid North Coast Conservatorium of Music in the Regional Gallery.
* ACO Virtual – uninterrupted: 3pm daily. Enjoy an uninterrupted 30-minute session of the ACO Virtual Orchestra, viewing the installation in its full production.
* Saturday Classic Jam Session – Play with the Band: Saturday 15 February, 2pm-4pm. Bring your string instruments along and play in this ‘classic jam’ session – learn the music and perform as one of the musicians or indulge in some improvisation.
ACO virtual will be on at the Glasshouse from 31 January – 26 February. The Glasshouse is open seven days a week, Monday-Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm.
