UD Department of Music and the Philadelphia Orchestra: Internet2 Partners in the Global Concert Series

bus
Philadelphia Orchestra's Global Concert Series

The Department of Music and the Philadelphia Orchestra joined forces last spring for an experimental concert program enjoyed by select audiences in Denmark, Portugal and the US. The program was simultaneously enjoyed at six institutions through Internet2, the US advanced research and education telecommunication network. This experimental network has been used on campus since 2000 by Department of Music oboist Lloyd Shorter, now a member of the Internet2 Performing Arts Subcommittee. Co-produced with Dick Sacher and Paul Rickards of UD's Office of Information Technologies, and with the support of former music Chair James Prodan, Bud Clark, Lloyd Shorter and others, the April 29 th concert program in the Trabant Theater featured Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique and Beethoven’s Violin Concerto live from Verizon Hall. The audience was joined by Maestro Eschenbach during pre-concert, intermission, and post-concert interviews featuring answers to e-mail questions submitted by those viewing the concert worldwide. Audience members were greatly impressed by the musical fidelity and visual presence available through the new network and videoconferencing technology.

Following the successful 2007 event, the Department of Music will continue this series in spring of 2008. Programs include Carmina Burana on March 7 at 2 pm, and an incredible test of music reproduction, Gustav Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand (Symphony # 8) on May 3 at 8 pm in Gore Recital Hall. This huge work for large orchestra and voices including the American Boychoir will be simulcast.

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s “Global Concert Series” is being produced on campus thanks to the Office of Information Technologies and the Department of Music. Special thanks go to Dick Sacher and Paul Rickards for their work in producing these wonderful concert programs.