Thursday, October 2, 2014

Philadelphia Orchestra Rolls Out LiveNote Service

The Philadelphia Orchestra is rolling out LiveNote, an application for mobile devices that allows audiences to access information about the works they are hearing, following the music with real-time musical, emotional, and historical highlights. LiveNote is one of many Orchestra initiatives to explore how technology can intersect with audiences at the different points where they experience music. LiveNote makes its debut at the Orchestra's Free College Concert on October 14. It will also be available during three subscription concerts October 16-18, on two of the three pieces the Orchestra will perform: Dvorak's The Golden Spinning Wheel and Janacek's Glagolitic Mass.



"The Philadelphia Orchestra has a rich legacy of being at the forefront of technical innovation, and curating new ideas is part of the very fabric of our organization," said Philadelphia Orchestra President and CEO Allison Vulgamore. "LiveNote is the latest initiative to experiment with harnessing the power of technology in service to the power of music, and we look forward to working with our audiences as we test and evolve this long-nurtured application."

Developed in collaboration with Drexel University engineers, LiveNote works with Android and IOS phones. Its exclusive digital media content takes audience members beyond the music onstage by providing concert program notes, a musical glossary, and information about the Orchestra. LiveNote can also provide text and translations for vocal works. Slides automatically advance with the music on a phone's screen during a concert, providing key highlights, engaging details, and images relating to the composition. A critical piece of the development of the application is that its use does not impact the concert experience of audience members. It is intended as an intimate experience for individual users with minimal impact on others seated nearby. 

The application does not employ back lighting, minimizing the traditional glow of a mobile phone. It can be used throughout Verizon Hall, and its use is optional. LiveNote will be a companion to Playbill, which will continue to be distributed at performances when LiveNote is available.

To learn more about LiveNote, please visit www.philorch.org/livenote.

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