Welcome to our 2024-2025 season!
Mahler Chamber Orchestra:
in Virtual Reality and Spatial Sound!
When
Saturday, January 11, 2025 |
Sunday, January 12, 2025 |
Monday, January 13, 2025 |
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 | Wintersession (Princeton Students/Faculty/Staff):
Share Event
Where
Woolworth Center of Musical Studies, Princeton University Campus [View Directions & Parking]
General: $20 | Student: $10
All time slots on Tuesday, January 14 are reserved for Princeton University students, faculty, and staff as part of Wintersession. (Free registration begins December 5).
Playing in an orchestra is an immersive experience. With VR and immersive sound, we can share that experience with you."
—Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Virtual Reality
About the Event
Back by Popular Demand!
After a sold-out United States premiere last season, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra’s groundbreaking experience in spatial sound and virtual reality returns by popular demand! With the aid of virtual reality headsets you will be transported to a fully immersive world of music in which you can move around (or through/over/under!) the musicians as a multi-dimensional recording of Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream responds in real-time. You will be able to hear and feel what it is like to sit in the middle of a full orchestra and hear the sound emanating from each distinct instrument, expanding and rediscovering the process of listening and opening striking new possibilities for interaction between listener, performer, instrument and sound in a space that merges reality with fantasy – a new world awaits you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
· What is Virtual Reality? A virtual reality headset includes a display screen, stereo sound, and sensors to deliver an interactive audiovisual experience that immerses you in 360-degree projected content. For “Future Presence,” the Mahler Chamber Orchestra pre-recorded musical selections using virtual reality technology. A virtual reality headset will enable you to move freely amid the musicians and notice how your location influences nuances in the music. Whether in front of the violin, next to the flute or underneath the cello—there are almost no limits to the interactive sound experience as you immerse yourself within one of the world’s greatest chamber orchestras.
· What will the experience be like? Please refer to the “About Future Presence” video on this page for a sneak peek of the experience. For directions to the venue and parking information, please refer to the Woolworth Center of Musical Studies section on our Plan Your Visit page.
Upon arrival at your designated time slot, you and one other patron will be guided to a room where you will be given a headset and headphones in order to experience the musical works. You will see and hear the musicians projected into your headset, and be able to move around the virtual concert space. Parameters will be in place to ensure that you do not collide with anything or anyone in the room. A staff member will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. The entire experience will take roughly 30 minutes.
· Are there any restrictions for using Virtual Reality glasses? VR glasses are not recommended for children under the age of 10, pregnant women, or individuals who are susceptible to epilepsy and seizures.
The VR headset can emit radio waves that may affect the operation of nearby electronics, including cardiac pacemakers. If you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, please consult with your doctor before registering for this event.
· Can I experience Future Presence from a wheelchair or with a mobility-assistive device? Yes, absolutely! This experience is fully accessible for users of wheelchairs and other assistive devices.
· I am worried about my balance while wearing a virtual reality headset. What precautions are in place to make sure that I don’t fall? You’re not alone—a lot of virtual reality headset users are concerned about this question, and most all of them find it not to be a problem once they put on the headset. However, rest assured that staff members will be posted at the venue at all times and will be available to provide a steadying hand as needed.
· How should I dress? We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes for the most unrestricted experience.
· I can no longer attend. What are my options? While there are no refunds for this event, please contact us if you cannot attend your timeslot so that other patrons might enjoy this experience.
Read More About Event
Back by Popular Demand!
After a sold-out United States premiere last season, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra’s groundbreaking experience in spatial sound and virtual reality returns by popular demand! With the aid of virtual reality headsets you will be transported to a fully immersive world of music in which you can move around (or through/over/under!) the musicians as a multi-dimensional recording of Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream responds in real-time. You will be able to hear and feel what it is like to sit in the middle of a full orchestra and hear the sound emanating from each distinct instrument, expanding and rediscovering the process of listening and opening striking new possibilities for interaction between listener, performer, instrument and sound in a space that merges reality with fantasy – a new world awaits you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
· What is Virtual Reality?
A virtual reality headset includes a display screen, stereo sound, and sensors to deliver an interactive audiovisual experience that immerses you in 360-degree projected content. For “Future Presence,” the Mahler Chamber Orchestra pre-recorded musical selections using virtual reality technology. A virtual reality headset will enable you to move freely amid the musicians and notice how your location influences nuances in the music. Whether in front of the violin, next to the flute or underneath the cello—there are almost no limits to the interactive sound experience as you immerse yourself within one of the world’s greatest chamber orchestras.
· What will the experience be like?
Please refer to the “About Future Presence” video on this page for a sneak peek of the experience. For directions to the venue and parking information, please refer to the Woolworth Center of Musical Studies section on our Plan Your Visit page.
Upon arrival at your designated time slot, you and one other patron will be guided to a room where you will be given a headset and headphones in order to experience the musical works. You will see and hear the musicians projected into your headset, and be able to move around the virtual concert space. Parameters will be in place to ensure that you do not collide with anything or anyone in the room. A staff member will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. The entire experience will take roughly 30 minutes.
· Are there any restrictions for using Virtual Reality glasses?
VR glasses are not recommended for children under the age of 10, pregnant women, or individuals who are susceptible to epilepsy and seizures.
The VR headset can emit radio waves that may affect the operation of nearby electronics, including cardiac pacemakers. If you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, please consult with your doctor before registering for this event.
· Can I experience Future Presence from a wheelchair or with a mobility-assistive device?
Yes, absolutely! This experience is fully accessible for users of wheelchairs and other assistive devices.
· I am worried about my balance while wearing a virtual reality headset. What precautions are in place to make sure that I don’t fall?
You’re not alone—a lot of virtual reality headset users are concerned about this question, and most all of them find it not to be a problem once they put on the headset. However, rest assured that staff members will be posted at the venue at all times and will be available to provide a steadying hand as needed.
· How should I dress?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes for the most unrestricted experience.
· I can no longer attend. What are my options?
While there are no refunds for this event, please contact us if you cannot attend your timeslot so that other patrons might enjoy this experience.
Program
- Future Presence: An Immersive Installation in Virtual Reality
- Felix Mendelssohn
Selection from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 61: Scherzo, Intermezzo, Nocturne, Wedding March
Related Experiences & Playlists
Concert Classics Series Mahler Chamber Orchestra
