‘Will I screw this up?’ How I played timpani for the Philharmonia Orchestra
He hasn’t seen the score and can’t actually play his instrument. But with the help of a virtual headset, our writer joins the revered orchestra for the rollicking finale of Rossini’s William Tell Overture
TL;DR
- Virtual Orchestra is a VR experience by the Philharmonia Orchestra that lets users play percussion instruments.
- The aim is to engage new audiences and encourage interest in learning real instruments, especially due to declining music participation in schools.
- The VR program was piloted in schools with positive results, with many students inspired to learn an instrument and attend classical concerts.
- The technology aims to be educational and transferable, not just a game.
- The Philharmonia has a history of using technology for immersive experiences and audience engagement.