Royal Philharmonic Orchestra & Snapchat Create Augmented Reality Experience

The new augmented reality lens, "The Colors of Music," will allow Snapchat users to see a visual representation of the notes played by an instrument in real time

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has partnered with Snapchat on a new Augmented Reality (AR) tool that will help music lovers to "explore sound through a visual medium."

The Colors of Music is an AR lens that shows a 3D representation of the notes played live by an instrument, translating them into colors and shapes. Users can access the lens in the Snapchat app, and scan live instruments — for example, at a concert — to see the notes represented in real time.

The two organizations are hosting a free, live concert that will show off what the lens can do. This will be hosted at the Southbank Centre on 26 January from 11 AM to 3 PM and will feature three cellists playing classical repertoire behind transparent AR mirrors. The lens will be available on Snapchat the same day.

The RPO conducts annual audience research, and the 2024 questionnaire revealed that 34% of adults viewed social media platforms as playing a key role in helping them discover new music. This new AR project is part of the orchestra's commitment to exploring new ways for their audiences to interact with the live music experience.

"People love using Snapchat to message their closest friends and family and to engage with their favorite passion points - from fashion, to sport and music," said Ben Wymer, director of global brand experience at Snapchat. "We’re excited to partner with the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to see this AR experience create new ways for Snapchatters to enjoy live music."

"Whether you’re learning a string instrument and sharing progress updates with your friends, or you’re a professional sharing a new melody with your fans, the lens ignites imagination like never before. It’s as simple as scanning an instrument through Snapchat."

"We are delighted to partner with Snap Inc for this exciting new project," said Huw Davies, deputy managing director at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. "At a time when many orchestral music enthusiasts supplement the concert experience by furthering their music discovery online, this pioneering new experience from Snap Inc will do much to inspire journeys of music discovery for people at home, at college or during a music lesson."

You can hear more about the project below.