Orchestre de la Suisse Romande to Release VR Headset App

"Virtual Hall" allows viewers to experience the orchestra from within, using six 360-degree cameras

The Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (OSR) is offering the first-ever virtual reality mobile app that has been designed with the general public in mind. They say it will offer "an immersive experience at the heart of a symphony orchestra."

Titled Virtual Hall, the app contains recordings of the OSR made from the viewpoints of six different 360-degree cameras, so that viewers can simulate what it might be like to sit in the orchestra. For instance, they could position themselves in the middle of the string section, or with the percussionists at the very back of the orchestra.

The experience also includes studio-quality audio recording, to transmit the live sound of the orchestra as faithfully as possible.

The app has been developed by Cybel'Art, a Swiss company that specializes in technology for the arts. The company's aim was to open up classical music to new audiences through the use of digital devices, as well as offer a fresh perspective on the art form to existing audiences.

"This is the first time such a system, involving multiple cameras, has been implemented, presenting a considerable challenge in terms of synchronization and processing the vast amount of data involved," said Pierluigi Christophe Orunesu, founder of Cybel’Art.

"This technology represents much more than just an innovation," added Steve Roger, OSR’s director. "It embodies our commitment to democratizing classical music and creating new bridges between the orchestra and the public."