Mark Zuckerberg bet $2 billion on the Oculus Rift headset’s version of virtual reality in the spring of 2014. At the time, the technology still conjured up a futuristic Neverland. Now the L.A. Philharmonic is using the innovative headsets to bring the experience of attending a performance inside the Walt Disney Concert Hall out to the community through its mobile Van Beethoven project. Here, the actual experience lives up to its name. A yellow truck outfitted with the same Frank Gehry-designed carpet and seating used inside the hall holds 6 guests who wear Oculus headsets to take in a four minute, 360-degree immersive 3D performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. Ever wanted to see what cues the L.A. Phil orchestra members take from Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel’s face? Swivel around wearing the headset and you’re staring into his eyes. Ever wondered what the first violinist, Martin Chalifour, sees from his seat? Tilt your head to find out. The sound of the music even adapts based on the viewer’s position in relation to the orchestra, so you can hear Beethoven the way timpanist Joseph Pereira experiences it, mid-concert.

A series of GoPro-style cameras captured the L.A. Phil’s Beethoven performance, filming different angles for the Oculus recording. Here’s a look behind the scenes as the project took shape:

The virtual reality bus tour runs through October 11, with stops at art and street fairs across the city in the coming weeks. Roll over, Beethoven.

By Elizabeth Varnell

 

Pictured: L.A. Philharmonic Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel.
Photo by Vern Evans

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