The London Symphony Orchestra has launched a new website to give audiences a taste of what it would be like to sit in amongst the orchestra.
The site, called 'LSO Play', uses high-definition concert footage, and allows online audiences to view a performance from different angles, with close ups of specific sections, a camera on the conductor and shots from a musician’s point of view. Users are able to watch the orchestra from up to four different views at once.
Flautist Gareth Davies says ‘As principal flute I have the best seat in the house, right in the centre of the orchestra, and I’ve often wished that the audience could experience some of what I can see and hear’.
The focus is education, and the platform is intended especially for use by schools, complementing the orchestra's education work.
The site is supplemented by teaching resources such as video master classes and workshops, demonstrations, commentaries by London Symphony Orchestra members and contextual information about the background of featured repertoire.
Kathryn McDowell, the managing director of the London Symphony Orchestra, said: ‘I hope that the public will enjoy seeing the performances from angles which are usually seen only by the musicians and conductor’.
To see the site for yourself, go to play.lso.co.uk.
Laura Wagg