The Philharmonia Orchestra have always strived to be on the forefront of advancing music technology; the orchestra was one of the early adopters of stereo and multitrack recording techniques at Abbey Road studios in the 1950s, technology that was later used by the Beatles. Now the Philharmonia Orchestra are producing a virtual reality (VR) app.
Titled The Virtual Orchestra, the app is available for users of PlayStation VR in two versions. The preview version is £0.99 (GBP) and the full premium version is £2.99. The former VR content allows the user to see a performance of the orchestra at the Southbank Centre with full 3D audio and in 360-degree video. The premium version of the experience also features a backstage documentary film in addition to a full performance of the third movement of Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony under musical director Esa-Pekka Salonen.
“This special release cements the Philharmonia Orchestra’s status as a sector leader in the emerging market for Virtual Reality,” said Helen Sprott, managing director of the Philharmonia. “We firmly believe in VR as a tool for both reaching new audiences and diversifying new revenue streams for the Orchestra. Many thanks go to our partners at Sony, Inition, Southbank Centre, Music Sales and, of course, Esa-Pekka Salonen, without whom this ambitious project would never have happened.”
Audiences attending the Southbank’s Centre’s classical season at the Royal Festival Hall will have the opportunity to experience The Virtual Orchestra for free from 28th September until 1st October 2017. The Philharmonia Orchestra are also planning on unveiling a second VR experience at Sheffield DocFest, which is happening on 9th-13th June, 2017.
VRFocus will continue to bring you news of innovative uses of VR in music and entertainment.