Art Gallery transforms into concert hall
TOOWOOMBA Regional Art Gallery will resemble a virtual concert hall this month.
It is part of an interactive exhibition that will allow visitors to experience waving a baton to conduct one of Australia’s leading orchestras.
Gallery one will be transformed with an audio-visual installation, ACO Virtual, featuring the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
Toowoomba Regional Council library and cultural services portfolio leader Councillor Joe Ramia said the council, in conjunction with the Empire Theatre, was delighted to host ACO Virtual.
Cr Ramia said the touring exhibition was a collaboration between the ACO and Mod Productions, a Sydney digital media company.
“It is a fascinating blend of art forms and technology that will provide an exhilarating experience that’s the next best thing to appearing on a concert stage,” she said.
The ground-breaking exhibition fuses digital technologies with visual and sonic innovation that allows visitors to conduct and play with the ACO.
Audiences are surrounded, with the sound of each musician coming from the direction of their individual projections.
A touch-screen music stand allows patrons to spotlight and listen to one musician, a section of instruments or a chosen selection of players.
Visitors will step inside a concert and be immersed in a cinematic experience, surrounded by the musicians and manipulating what they hear and see.
The musical score can be turned on to stream along the bottom of the screen, meaning anyone who plays an instrument can play along with the ACO, even standing in for artistic director Richard Tognetti.
A smartphone app further enriches the experience with information about the music, the ACO musicians and their instruments.
It runs for 30 minutes in a loop and comprises carefully selected music by Bach, Grieg, Smalley and Piazzolla, designed to maximise the chance for audience participation.
It delivers a unique and inspiring learning environment, giving residents the opportunity to engage with, and learn from, world-class musicians.
Visit the gallery after hours for a Twilight Tour of the exhibition on Thursday, July 20 at 5.30pm.
This event is free and all are welcome.
The exhibition runs until July 30. School groups and tours are also welcome.
For more information phone 4688 6652.