Orchestra Wellington & MIXT Create Virtual Reality Conductor

Orchestra Wellington and MIXT Create Groundbreaking Virtual Reality Conductor Experience

In a world first, Orchestra Wellington and Wellington interactive company MIXT are offering up the best seat in the house, although you won't want to sit down!

The world premiere of the Virtual Conductor Experience is launching at the CubaDupa Festival on Saturday 24th March from 12pm, open to the public and free of charge.

If you stop by its shipping container installation on Leeds Street, the orchestra promises you a mind-blowing virtual arts experience, regardless of whether you're eight or 80.

Along with audio recorded by RNZ Concert, the 360° filming, editing and interactions were done by Wellington VR/AR specialists, MIXT, and puts the viewer at the centre of a symphony orchestra experience, and brings all the emotion of a multi-sensory challenge.

“The finished product immerses you into the world of the symphony conductor, standing on the podium to lead a 90 piece orchestra as they perform the powerful Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky in front of a full 2000 person live audience,” says Orchestra Wellington's Marketing Manager and project co-ordinator Marek Peszynski.

Orchestra Wellington was an award winner in 2016 with its New Zealand made 360° video. With MIXT’s help, Peszynski believes it's gone one better with the world’s first virtual orchestra video with a full live audience.

"We wanted to move away from the novelty factor of VR technology by placing the user at the centre of a full live concert. That way the experience really puts people in the moment and feels one hundred percent real and unstaged."

“More importantly we can visualise its use after the installation, with its applications in education and in accessibility of music. But at CubaDupa we're inviting everyone to step up and take the challenge, because once you've tried it you're hooked."

Following its CubaDupa release, the 360° virtual concert will launch for free home use later this month and its makers believe its appeal will extend beyond the city’s many lounge-room conductors.

ENDS

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