Concerts of the Future: Designing an interactive musical experience in VR

This paper examines the creation and development of "Concerts of the Future," a Virtual Reality music experience that bridges the gap between music listening and active participation. Collaboratively developed with a chamber ensemble over eight months, the narrative-driven experience places participants alongside a live ensemble, enabling them to perform with a unique gestural instrument in a VR concert setting regardless of musical experience. Reflecting on previous work in the VR and interactive music field, the paper outlines key design decisions that were made in the development of the work over a period of 8 months, including a pilot presentation with participants. The paper discusses the implications of stylised VR design and the use of theatrical elements outside the digital environment to make music more accessible. It highlights the potential of VR in transforming the traditional roles of composer, performer, and listener, thus expanding the scope of participatory musical experiences.