New World Symphony (NWS) has launched the seventh season of its WALLCAST concert series. Eleven of the orchestra’s concerts will be projected onto the 650 square metre eastern façade of the New World Center in Miami, with the concerts filmed using newly-installed 4k ultra high definition cameras.
The WALLCAST programme includes performances of Britten’s Symphony for Cello and Orchestra, Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, Beethoven’s Second Symphony and Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony. Conductors include NWS artistic director Michael Tilson Thomas, Juanjo Mena and Peter Oundjian, while featured soloists include pianist Emanuel Ax, violinist James Ehnes and cellist Alisa Weilerstein.
A study conducted by WolfBrown found that WALLCAST concert attendees are both younger and more diverse than regular concert goers. 34 per cent identified as people of colour compared to just 12 per cent at traditional NWS concerts. 81 per cent of the audience for traditional NWS concerts are over 65, whereas 70 per cent of WALLCAST attendees are under 65.
In addition to the new equipment, NWS has also created what it calls a ‘Sensory Friendly Environment’ for adults and children with sensory processing and autism spectrum disorders. This space caters specifically to the needs of people with autism.
Said NWS president and CEO Howard Herring. ‘The Sensory Friendly Environment will allow people living with sensory processing and autism spectrum disorders to enjoy a wide range of music throughout the season – the same music we offer to the entire Miami community – in an environment that’s comfortable and suits their needs.’
WALLCAST begins on 15 October and runs until 6 May, 2017.