Sony, Berlin Phil team up on creative tech

The collaboration will cover production technology, archival content, fan engagement and research into artist development.

Sony Corporation and Berlin Phil Media GmbH (BPM) have established a co-creation partnership focused on using technology and creative expertise to develop new ways of experiencing the performing arts.

The partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between Sony and the Berliner Philharmoniker. The organisations trace their connection to the introduction of the compact disc, involving former Berliner Philharmoniker Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Herbert von Karajan and former Sony Chairman and CEO Norio Ohga.

Sony and Berlin Phil advance performing arts production

Between 2012 and 2014, Sony and BPM conducted a proof-of-concept project focused on advanced video production technology through the Berliner Philharmoniker’s Digital Concert Hall, its platform for distributing live and archived performances. The organisations have continued discussions around the role of technology in expanding access to performing arts.

Under the partnership, BPM’s production and distribution capabilities will be combined with Sony’s imaging, live production and audio technologies. This includes Sony’s Cinema Line cameras and production expertise, with the aim of developing infrastructure for creating video content tailored to the performing arts.

The companies will also explore ways to combine the Berliner Philharmoniker’s artistic output with Sony’s technology and creative capabilities to develop viewing experiences and digital touchpoints for audiences.

Archive technology opens new paths for classical music

Sony and BPM plan to remaster archival footage from the Berliner Philharmoniker using RS+™, an upscaling service developed by Sony PCL Inc. The companies will also apply Sony’s audio processing, analysis and reproduction technologies to recordings of historical performances.

The collaboration will explore additional formats through technologies including XYN™, Sony’s spatial content creation solution. These initiatives are intended to broaden the ways audiences can access and experience archival performances while increasing the value of existing content.

Partnership explores fan engagement and artist development

Sony and BPM also plan to create digital touchpoints designed to bring classical music into people’s everyday lives. Classical music content will be incorporated into Sony’s ecosystem with creative support from BPM, with the stated aim of building longer-term connections with audiences worldwide.

The partnership will additionally address the physical demands of musical performance. Lectures and workshops based on research by Dr. Shinichi Furuya of Sony Computer Science Laboratories will examine technological and ergonomic approaches to artist development.

The research will explore the use of sensing, AI and robotics technologies to help musicians address physical constraints throughout their careers. Findings from the collaboration will be combined with existing research and used to develop programmes intended to contribute to music culture.

Hiroshi Nakamura, Senior Vice President, Sony Corporation: "By combining the outstanding artistry that the Berliner Philharmoniker has cultivated over many years with Sony's imaging and audio technologies and creative expertise, we hope to deliver new inspiring experiences in the performing arts to people around the world. Through this partnership, we will bring the appeal of the performing arts to a wider audience, create new viewing experiences, and contribute to the sustainable growth of this field."

Olaf Maninger, Media Board Member, Managing Director, Berlin Phil Media and Solo Cellist of the Berliner Philharmoniker: "Sony is the ideal co-creation partner for the Berliner Philharmoniker. We share the belief that outstanding audiovisual technology is essential to presenting classical music in the highest quality. The Digital Concert Hall was developed based on this technological vision. We are truly looking forward to continuing this journey together with Sony and enabling audiences around the world to experience the performances of the Berliner Philharmoniker in the highest quality."

www.sony.com

www.digitalconcerthall.com

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