LA Philharmonic is bringing virtual classical concert experiences to poorer communities

The VAN Beethoven truck is a mobile orchestral experience using virtual reality to deliver a LA Philharmonic performance. Visitors will enter a customized van and put on a Oculus Rift headset connected to the LA Philharmonic’s virtual reality app. The experience allows viewers not only to experience the music of the Philharmonic, but also the subtleties of the acoustics within the Disney Hall. Unlike normal visitors to the hall, the viewer’s perspective can shift from being in front of the orchestra, to being behind or amidst the symphony. As the perspective shifts, so does the musical experience, shifting to match the way the sound would change depending on the viewer’s location.