The Philharmonia Orchestra has introduced a new virtual reality (VR) experience, Virtual Orchestra, designed to allow individuals to play percussion in the finale of Rossini’s William Tell Overture. Users can choose from instruments such as the triangle, cymbal, or timpani, with no prior musical or VR experience required.
Marta Génova, the Philharmonia’s head of digital product and experience, stated that the timpani option is "definitely the most fun." The experience, which includes a virtual rehearsal and performance, is intended to be intuitive, with coloured notes guiding players on when to strike their virtual instruments.
The primary goal of the headsets is educational, forming part of a programme aligned with the national curriculum. Thorben Dittes, CEO of the Philharmonia, noted that the orchestra is signed up to the Orchestra in Every School programme, and the headsets offer a way to reach more children across the country.
Earlier this year, the headsets were piloted in 12 schools across Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Lincolnshire. Feedback from 428 Year 7 children was positive, with 96% indicating they would now likely attend a classical concert, and 60% feeling inspired to learn an instrument. Dittes highlighted that children were "happy to stay in the headsets for hours, learning about notation, about rhythm, about the joy of being part of a big orchestra."