London Symphony Orchestra String Ensemble set to Release Pioneering Virtual Reality Video
The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) String Ensemble is set to release its latest performance in March. LSO’s Schubert (arr. Mahler) String Quartet No 14 Death and the Maiden and Shostakovich Chamber Symphony in C minor was also recorded in a specially produced Virtual Reality promotional video.
Led by LSO leader Roman Simovic, this will be the second LSO String Ensemble release following on from their hugely successful recording of Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings and Bartók Divertimento.
Recorded in 360 VR, the result is rich footage that will offer a completely immersive and unique experience of the String Ensemble’s performance. With the past successes of the LSO’s performances and the countless awards that the ensemble has won, in Virtual Reality, this promises to be a musical highlight, and one like no other. The VR video will not be part of the released recording, but is for promotion of the actual performance.
Schubert’s Death and the Maiden Quartet is one of the most popular pieces in the repertoire, and The Chamber Symphony in C minor is an arrangement for string orchestra of Shostakovich’s String Quartet No 8.
Director Roman Simovic had this to say of the coupling; ‘The similarity between them (Schubert arr. Mahler Death and the Maiden, Shostakovich Chamber Symphony in C minor), is that they’re both extremely dark – two different tragedies about death. I think they go very well together, a lot of darkness in one CD . . .
. . . I was told by many colleagues not to do it because it’s a killer! But I was very satisfied with the resulting sound and energy – it’s unique.’
The Virtual Reality video is a recording of a live performance at the Barbican in April of 2015 during the LSO International Violin Festival by Netherlands-based VR pioneers WeMakeVR. The Dutch Virtual Reality company is a leader in the field, having started creating VR experiences in 2013.
WeMakeVR was the first to develop a 3D VR camera and the revolutionary system is regarded as the leader in truly immersive 3D virtual reality video’s.
In comments in a press release announcing the release of the LSO’s latest recording and the groundbreaking VR video, the Amsterdam-based VR production company had the following to say about their work with the LSO string ensemble:
‘It was a long desired wish to film in London with the London Symphony Orchestra. Their musicians are between the best of the world and to be welcomed in their midst with such friendliness and openness was wonderful.
. . . They let us film them right in the heart of their orchestra, on stage. It is great to sit in the audience and see them perform, but to be so closely surrounded by them is pure magic. We want to develop new musical experiences with the LSO. Opening the wonders of music to more people and to those who are not in the opportunity to go see them. Or who just want to see it again. And again.’
Check out the virtual reality footage from the LSO String Ensemble’s performance of Shostakovich Chamber Symphony in C minor in the video below:
WeMakeVR’s pioneering Virtual Reality projects include a collaboration with fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger, and the Dutch DJ MC Typhoon, among others. There is no doubt that the pioneering VR production company has also created a notable experience here with their collaboration with the LSO.
WeMakeVR’s revolutionary 3D camera systems allows viewers to be transported to any place in the world and enjoy experiences they might otherwise may not have been able to. The LSO’s VR recording will allow both new and established classical music lovers to enjoy the wonderful performance ‘live’ whenever they wish and could be a draw for new listeners to the genre too.
The London Symphony Orchestra’s SCHUBERT, arr. MAHLER Death and the Maiden SHOSTAKOVICH Chamber Symphony in C minor performance is out on the 4th of March 2016 in the UK, and 11 March 2016 in the US. The performance will be available in digital format as well as on CD.
To pre-order from LSO Live website http://bit.ly/1K0XaVD
– iTunes http://geni.us/1W9J
