Experiencing Online Orchestra: Communities, connections and music-making through telematic performance

Abstract

Abstract Telematic performance offers significant potential for musicians in remote communities to perform together, increasing access to the type of ensemble music-making that is commonplace in urban areas. This article presents a range of perspectives taken from interviews with participants in the Online Orchestra pilot performance. Participants highlight the significant potential of telematic performance to overcome the challenge of music-making in geographically remote communities. The feasibility of making music in latency-rich environments is corroborated, as is the importance of the conductor in telematic performance. Suggestions are given for the fine tuning of peripheral equipment, and a preference emerges for the more traditional and simple music commissioned by the project.