By ANEEKA SIMONIS AND JESSE GRAHAM
THE Yarra Ranges Regional Museum will be abuzz over the school holidays, hosting a group of nationally acclaimed members from the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO).
The tour is not just a first for the Yarra Ranges, but a world-first as the talented musicians perform in a new, unique capacity … virtually.
Appearing with life-like definition, 13 of the ACO’s musicians will perform as 3D projections as part of the free ACO-VIRTUAL exhibition.
To commemorate the exhibition, which opened on Saturday 28 June, students from Little Yarra Steiner School visited in an exclusive event, and performed alongside the world-class musicians.
April Croydon, Rebecca de Boer and Tom Kear all said they loved the new exhibition, and said they thought it would be inspiring to other young musicians.
“This is amazing – I’ve never seen anything like this,” Ms Croydon said.
“It’s awesome,” Mr Kear said.
The state-of-the-art video technology allows museum goers to get up and personal with the performers, see their lightning quick hand movements and feel the rush of music in the surround sound performance.
Museum director Maggi Solly is thrilled to play part in the unique, month-long exhibition.
“It really is a one off opportunity. It’s something you could not get unless you were literally standing in the middle of the Australian Chamber Orchestra as they were playing,” she said.
But the experience promises more than just an opportunity to watch these world-class performers.
Visitors are invited to become a conductor for the day, with a touch-screen music stand allowing users to spotlight and listen to specific musicians or a section of instruments.
Keen to sing, dance or play with the world-class musicians? The museum is offering half hour solo sessions with the orchestra for a once in a lifetime opportunity to groove alongside the performers.
School groups are also invited to join in the fun with two programs being held at the museum on Tuesday 8 July for children as young as five to choreograph and perform their own dance performance alongside the orchestra.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Fiona McAllister said the installation is a welcome addition to the museum.
“We are really thrilled to be able to bring this experience to Yarra Ranges and know it will appeal to almost everyone in our community. I personally am really looking forward to getting to see and participate in this amazing new installation,” she said.
For bookings or details about the exhibition, call (03) 9294 6313 or email www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/museum.
