The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has announced plans to live stream its performances via YouTube.
The launch has been made possible through a new partnership with the Sydney Opera House, and saw the first live streams take place on 13, 18 and 21 June.
Viewers of Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Live from the Sydney Opera House watched US pianist Emanuel Ax perform all five Beethoven piano concertos alongside the SSO, led by chief conductor David Roberston (pictured).
Roberston said: ‘We are excited to be partnering with the Sydney Opera House to bring our music to people far and wide via YouTube, for free. Footage from multiple cameras and behind the scenes will enable viewers around the world to see inside the SSO’s home – the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall – and fall in love with the artistry of the musicians. SSO began its webcasting pro-gramme in 2006, and in 2011 became the first orchestra in the world to live stream to mobile devices.’
Read: Can digital ever replace the live experience?
Roberston said that this new development forms a crucial step in continuing the orchestra’s digital media strategy. He continued: ‘The SSO is continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in classical music and this initiative once again proves what an exciting and innovative orchestra I am now leading.’
Sydney Opera House’s CEO, Louise Herron, said: ‘We’re delighted to be collaborating with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to engage and inspire 21st-century audiences, wherever they are. ‘This exciting partnership is a perfect example of the Opera House’s com-mitment to digital innovation, our resident arts companies and our collective future.’ More webcasts will be announced later in the year.