Science Museum hosts Universe of Sound: a virtual Philharmonia Ochestra

Universe of Sound is a hi-definition interactive experience, taking a famous piece of classical music, Gustav Holst’s The Planets, and presenting a "virtual" Philharmonia Orchestra performing the piece.

Using giant screens, unconventional projecting surfaces, touch screens, movement-based interaction and planetarium-style projection, visitors can step inside the heart of a symphony orchestra taking on the role of a musician, conductor or even a composer.

As part of Universe of Sound visitors will be able to:

• experience giant live 360 degree projections of the Orchestra performing The Planets conducted by Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor Esa-Pekka Salonen
• see the entire 105 piece orchestra alongside multi-channel surround sound
• enter ten separate rooms, each representing a section of the Orchestra, and connecting Pods and join in as a musician, conductor, arranger or composer - ultimately creating your own new Planets musical experience.

Using new digital technology, visitors can also join in as a conductor by using conductor simulators and moving their hands in front of screens to control the orchestra on different levels. Visitors will also be able to record their performance which will be posted online.

Live instruments are available to play in some parts of the installation, so visitors can perform with the virtual orchestra and be projected onto screens alongside players. They will also be able to play virtual instruments. Each room will contain the sheet music for each instrument, and visitors are invited to bring in their own instruments and play along.

Philharmonia musicians will be present each day of the exhibit, playing along live and answering questions. Visitors will also be able to use interactive tools to influence the shape of Joby Talbot’s Worlds, Stars, Systems, Infinity, which has been newly commissioned for the final part of the journey.

A new website enables visitors to continue their experience after they leave, and offer those unable to visit the chance to experience some of its elements. The online world of the project will also enable users who have visited the exhibition the chance to access content created by them, for example a film of them conducting, which can be shared via social networks.