ACO VIRTUAL

ACO VIRTUAL

Imagine standing on stage surrounded by the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s (ACO) virtuoso musicians, feeling the energy of Artistic Director Richard Tognetti playing his priceless Guarneri del Gesù violin or getting up close to Principal Violinist Satu Vänskä’s Stradivarius.

Cutting edge audio-visual installation ACO VIRTUAL takes you there.

Fusing digital technologies with visual and sonic innovation, this ground-breaking interactive installation allows you to conduct and even play with the ACO.

• See how fast the musician's fingers move;
• Hear the sounds of each instrument whirl around you;
• Experience what the cellos sound like on their own, or the violas – or even just the double bass;
• Follow along with the projected musical score;
• Bring your own instrument and play along with the installation;
• Take the helm of the ‘greatest chamber orchestra on earth’ and stand in for Richard Tognetti himself

ACO VIRTUAL uses state-of-the-art technology and features projections of 13 of the ACO’s acclaimed musicians. Audiences are surrounded, with the sound of each musician coming from the direction of their individual projections. A touch-screen “music stand” allows you to spotlight and listen to one musician, a section of instruments or your desired selection of players. You step “inside” a concert and are immersed in a cinematic experience, surrounded by the musicians and manipulating what you hear and see.

The musical score can be turned on to stream along the bottom of the screen, meaning anyone who plays an instrument can play along with the ACO, even standing in for Richard Tognetti himself. A smartphone application further enriches the experience with information about the music, the ACO musicians and their instruments.

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 you the opportunity to engage with – and learn from – world-class musicians you may not ordinarily have the chance to see performing on stage. 

Don’t miss this extraordinary new way to experience music.

ACO VIRTUAL was produced by the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Mod Productions.

Richard Tognetti, Artistic Director
Mish Sparks, Executive Producer
Michela Ledwidge, Artist and Director
Cristina Dio, Producer
Simon Lear, Sound Designer BSound

ACO VIRTUAL is supported by Founding Partner the Commonwealth Bank; Associate Partner Aurizon; Screen NSW; the Australia Council; and the Queensland Government.

Introducing ACO VIRTUAL

The Making Of Video

Official exhibition launch: 6pm, Monday 27 July 2015