Taking audiences to the heart of the orchestra…and to the wilds of Finland
Since the Philharmonia’s founding, almost 80 years ago, the embrace of technology has always been one of our hallmarks. That started right back in the early days with recordings, but over the last ten years or so has developed into a series of projects that have sought to give audiences a totally different perspective on the orchestra; putting the audience inside it, rather than on the other side of the stage.
In recent years these experiences have used the technology of virtual reality to bring the Philharmonia to life in this new way, and the latest iteration of these experiences launches in the foyers of the Royal Festival Hall on 26 September, coinciding with the launch of our Nordic Soundscapes series.
Participants will find themselves right in the midst of the orchestra. You could choose to be next to the conductor, or back with the trombones. The choice is yours and your listening experience will adjust depending on your view – so if you’re a fan of the flutes, head there and they’ll be foremost in the sound.
For this latest VR experience you’ll be hearing Santtu Mattias-Rouvali conducting the final movement of Sibelius’s soaring Symphony No. 5. Added to the experience this time, you’ll also be taken on a journey to the breathtaking scenery of Finland, vistas which inspired Sibelius when he composed the work.
One of the people behind all of this digital innovation is our Senior Producer for Interactive and Immersive, Marta Genova. She said:
“We hope audiences enjoy the experience as much as we enjoyed making it – travelling to the beautiful Finnish countryside to film at 1AM in the middle of summer was a career highlight! We’re so proud of this piece and the work of the team, and the orchestra of course sounds glorious.”
You can experience our VR experience at London’s Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, from 26 to 29 September, with 26 September featuring the ‘directors cut’, with you being taken on a pre-determined tour of the orchestra, while the rest of the time you’ll be able to chose your own adventure. It’s totally free, just turn up, pop a headset on and we’ll take you both to the heart of the orchestra and to the wilds of Finland…
