Mahler Chamber Orchestra – In Virtual Reality

After two sold out engagements at Princeton University in 2024 and 2025, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra’s groundbreaking experience in spatial sound and virtual reality is coming to the Twin Cities! With the aid of virtual reality headsets you will be transported to a fully immersive world of music in which you can move around (and even through!) the musicians as a multi-dimensional recording responds to your movement in real time. You will be able to hear and feel what it is like to sit in the middle of an orchestra and hear the sound emanating from each distinct instrument, expanding and rediscovering the process of listening and opening striking new possibilities for interaction between listener, performer, instrument and sound in a space that merges reality with fantasy – a new world awaits you!

This is a timed-entry event, with slots beginning every 30 minutes from 10 am until 6 pm.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Virtual Reality?

A virtual reality headset includes a display screen, stereo sound, and sensors to deliver an interactive audiovisual experience that immerses you in 360-degree projected content. For “Future Presence,” the Mahler Chamber Orchestra pre-recorded musical selections using virtual reality technology. A virtual reality headset will enable you to move freely amid the musicians and notice how your location influences nuances in the music. Whether in front of the violin, next to the flute or underneath the cello—there are almost no limits to the interactive sound experience as you immerse yourself within one of the world’s great chamber orchestras.

What will the experience be like?

At your designated time slot, you and up to five other patrons will be guided to the Luminary Arts Center stage where you will be given a headset and headphones in order to experience the musical works. You will see and hear the musicians projected into your headset, and be able to move around the virtual concert space. Parameters will be in place to ensure that you do not collide with anything or anyone in the room. A team member will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Your experience wearing a virtual reality headset will be divided into two halves of approximately 15 minutes each.  You’ll experience a string quintet playing Mozart followed by the full orchestra playing Mendelssohn”s Nocturne from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” first.  Then you’ll move to a different area on the stage and don a new headset for the third and final selection. The entire experience will take roughly 40 minutes. Afterwards, you will be invited to enjoy light refreshments and to chat about your experience with fellow participants and members of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra.

Are there any restrictions for using Virtual Reality glasses?

VR glasses are not recommended for children under the age of 10, pregnant women, or individuals who are susceptible to epilepsy and seizures.

The VR headset can emit radio waves that may affect the operation of nearby electronics, including cardiac pacemakers. If you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, please consult with your doctor before registering for this event.

Can I experience Future Presence from a wheelchair or with a mobility-assistive device?

Yes, absolutely! This experience is fully accessible for users of wheelchairs and other assistive devices.  There is an elevator to the lower level where the experience takes place.

I am worried about my balance while wearing a virtual reality headset. What precautions are in place to make sure that I don’t fall?

You’re not alone—a lot of first-time virtual reality headset users are concerned about this question.  Most all of them find it not to be a problem once they put on the headset. However, rest assured that staff members will be posted at the venue at all times and will be available to provide a steadying hand as needed.

How should I dress?

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes for the most unrestricted experience.

I can no longer attend. What are my options?

Please contact us at 651.292.3268 or by emailing [email protected] if you cannot attend your time slot so that other patrons might enjoy this experience. Because each time slot has a restriction to the number of patrons, we may not be able to offer alternative time slots. See our Ticket Policies Page for information about ticket turnbacks and donations. Per our policy, refunds will not be offered.