Hubble Cantata by New Inc, New York Hubble Cantata by New Inc, New York
Hubble Cantata by New Inc, New York. Photography by David Andrako Hubble Cantata by New Inc, New York. Photography by David Andrako
Hubble Cantata by New Inc, New York Hubble Cantata by New Inc, New York
Hubble Cantata by New Inc, New York Hubble Cantata by New Inc, New York

Sound of space

09 : 08 : 2016 Hubble Cantata : Tech Market : VR

Brooklyn – The Hubble Cantata is an immersive, space-themed experience that combines live orchestral music and virtual reality (VR).

  • The Hubble Cantata features a 20-piece ensemble, 100-person choir, and two Metropolitan Opera stars
  • ‘We are setting out to redefine the community VR experience’ – Eliza McNitt, film-maker and VR director

The Hubble Cantata premiered in Prospect Park during the 2016 BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Festival. Each audience member was given a Google Cardboard VR headset and instructed to download a free smartphone app called Fistful of Stars.

Towards the end of the performance, the audience was asked to attach their headsets and activate the app to play a 360-degree VR film.

The short film, which is narrated by astrophysicist Mario Livio and directed by McNitt, takes viewers on a guided tour across the Orion Nebula.

‘VR is perceived as being alone in a room with headphones,’ says McNitt. ‘With The Hubble Cantata, we are building a 360-degree 3D soundscape that will fully immerse you.’

The Big Picture

VR is often thought of as isolating and nauseating, but a new wave of innovators are proving that it can create serene, collaborative experiences. Read our Virtual Reality Market to learn more about VR and augmented reality.

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