Are you fond of Vienna’s classical music especially those created by its world renowned musicians such as Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart? Have you ever wished you could learn the ways to become a conductor of an orchestra? If you answered yes to these questions, you’re not far away from making your wish a reality.
In Vienna, the Haus der Musik (House of Music) Museum features a new attraction called Virtual Conductor. This section of the museum provides an opportunity to interested visitors to work with the internationally famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra although not really face to face.
The Virtual Conductor area has a digital music desk and a high definition touch screen which shows the orchestra. When a person at the desk moves his baton, the orchestra will follow the movements. Right now, this digital technology created by Jan Borcher of the Aachen University features various classical music including Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik as well as the Radetsky March by Johann Strauss.
As to how the technology works, the conductor’s baton is equipped with an infra red such that when it’s being moved by an individual at the desk, the orchestra will adapt to the style, speed and volume. And as a consolation, the person trying out the baton will get a rousing applause at the end of his trial.
People might think that conducting an orchestra is an easy task but the museum director says it takes a lot of practice especially since the audience of classical music is normally strict about what they listen to.
If you’re off to the Austrian capital of Vienna, be sure to check this Virtual Conductor feature of the Haus der Musik. The museum’s exact address is at Seilerstatte 30 in the city center. It’s open to the general public every day for 12 hours starting at 10 a.m. until 10 in the evening.
