Concerts Of The Future music review: Fleeting orchestral gimmick
A VR orchestra simulation brings audiences to centre stage, falling flat with cartoonish ‘instruments’ and childish simplicity
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An undeniable thrill accompanies the pay-off in this half-hour experience, especially for anyone who’s ever harboured a secret desire to play in an orchestra. It might not be real, but when you’re wearing the VR headset, spinning in your chair as you glance round at the other members of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, it’s closer than most of us will ever get. The conductor looks you square in the eye, the lead violin smiles supportively and the packed audience jumps to its feet to applaud.
The preamble leading to this moment of glory is intriguing and as carefully orchestrated as the Beethoven symphony you’ll soon be ‘playing’. Questions are asked and information taken before you’re handed an ‘instrument’ based on your personality. The quotation marks are there because these aren’t instruments you’ve ever heard of, rather 3D printed objects that make a sound when you shake them. It’s cutting edge but renders the ‘musician’ feeling a little like a nursery school child.
Those who have had the pleasure of being part of an orchestra might find the technological, virtual reality aspect of Concerts Of The Future interesting, but the five minutes spent playing with MSO are unlikely to set the pulse racing. For everyone else, it’s a fun Fringe experience to tell your friends about, rather than a glimpse into the future of live music.
Concerts Of The Future, Summerhall, until 31 August, every half an hour from 1pm.