Developed in collaboration with OSR by Swiss “art-tech” firm Cybel’Art the so-called Virtual Hall app, which was recently demonstrated to The Engineer at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) headquarters in London, enables users to listen to music whilst sitting alongside the musicians.
OSR Director Steve Roger said the technology has been developed as part of an ongoing effort to remove the traditional barriers to classical music and make classical music more accessible and relevant to a wider and more diverse audience. “It embodies our commitment to democratizing classical music and forging new connections between the orchestra and the audience,” he said.
Based on recordings of the Orchestra made using multiple cameras and studio-quality audio recording technology, the app enables users to enjoy the experience from six different 360 degree viewing points, switching - for instance - from an up-close view of the conductor from the string section to a back-row seat amongst the percussionists. The recordings were made in OSR’s home, Geneva’s1700 seat Victoria Hall concert venue.
The technology also enables users to interact with a scrolling, real time virtual representation of the musical score - an innovation that opens up exciting opportunities for musicians wanting to play along with an orchestra, or for music lovers wanting to deepen their engagement.
So far, the orchestra has recorded two major works for Virtual Hall - Beethoven’s Symphony No.3 and Rossini’s William Tell Overture - which will be available for download when the app officially launches next month (March 2025). The plan is to roll out more content in the months and years ahead, ultimately building a large library of immersive classical music content. The commercial model will see users download the app for free and pay to download content.
Cybel’Art CEO Pierluigi Orunesu, said that whilst other orchestras have attempted VR experiences this is the first to use multiple cameras, which has presented a considerably tougher challenge in terms of synchronizing and processing the vast amount of data involved. OSR’s Roger said that the app builds on a history of broadcasting innovation at OSR, which began in 1954 when the orchestra made the first ever stereophonic symphony recording.
Whilst Roger envisages many applications for the app, from education to entertainment, the initial idea behind it was to develop something that would enable older members of Geneva’s community - many of whom are infirm and unable to leave their homes - to once again experience performances from a hall that has been a major part of the cultural life of the city for more than 100 years. He said that he will soon be arranging demonstrations of the technology at old peoples’ homes across the city.
Launching on March 10th 2025, Virtual Hall will initially be available on the Meta Quest headset, but the team is also currently working on compatibility for Apple Vision Pro and Pico Headsets.
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I saw this kind of system working in Holland well over a decade ago. It seemed to work well. Best of luck for the project.