Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring 3D, a spectacular fusion of technical innovation, live orchestral performance, digital technology and contemporary dance takes place at Symphony Hall on Thursday 21 April 2011, promising one of the most memorable audience experiences of the UK’s cultural calendar this year.
Created by the media artist Klaus Obermaier, Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring 3D is the most ambitious multimedia event to take place in Symphony Hall since the venue opened in 1991. The famous ballet, which was written in 1913 and caused a riot at its premiere, will get a 21st century makeover involving stereoscopic cameras, 32 microphones, a complex computer system, a solo dancer performing in a black box on stage, the CBSO and 2,200 pairs of 3D glasses for the audience.
Nine stereoscopic cameras simulating human binocular vision will feed the on-stage movements of solo dancer Julia Mach into a complex computer system. This system will in turn will generate and project 3D content on to a giant silver lenticular screen positioned above the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
The collective and individual sounds produced by the orchestra and musicians – conducted by Ilan Volkov – will be relayed by microphones on instruments, helping to influence the form, movement and complexity of both the 3D projections and those of the dancer.
Over 2,200 pairs of 3D glasses will help to immerse audience members in the live experience and parts of the production will appear to take place no further away than the tip of their nose.
Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring 3D was created by Obermaier and members of the acclaimed Ars Electronica Futurelab team and enjoyed critical acclaim at the 2007 world premiere in Brucknerhaus, Linz in Austria.
Fans of contemporary culture, classical music, dance and digital technology devotees can learn more about Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring 3D online at www.riteofspring3d.thsh.co.uk – a bespoke home for information and interactivity, produced by West Midlands agency Cogent Elliott for Town Hall and Symphony Hall.
In addition to details on the production and delivery team, a behind the scenes feed will include regular updates, posts, videos, images, audio and links sharing the passion, information, thought, technology, ideas and innovation enabling such a spectacular production to take place.
An interactive element called wRite, which interweaves music from the score with visuals from the 21st century production, allows visitors to partly immerse themselves in the virtual space that drives the live experience.
Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring 3D is the fourth such major audio-visual project to be programmed by Town Hall and Symphony Hall for the 2010/2011 Birmingham International Concert Season.
STRAVINSKY’S RITE OF SPRING 3D
SYMPHONY HALL,
6.30PM & 8.30PM, THURSDAY 21st APRIL 2011
£5.00 – £22.00
www.thsh.co.uk
