The next Chopin Competition will be done in virtual reality

From the press release:

Dr Artur Szklener, Director of the Fryderyk Chopin Institute, Warsaw (which runs the Competition) said:

“For the first time in history we are introducing virtual reality, the highest quality broadcasting and fully interactive digital and physical spaces so that music-lovers all over the world can fully immerse themselves in the exceptional music-making and drama of the International Chopin Competition. The international streaming of the last edition in 2015 attained 60 million views on YouTube alone. At the next edition in 2020 we hope to reach many more people in a variety of ways and ensure they enjoy the richest and deepest experience possible. We also hope to shape the history of pianism in the 21st century and once again celebrate Warsaw as the Chopin capital of the world.”

In a first for any major classical music event, the Competition is introducing virtual reality streaming. With a VR camera close to the pianist on stage, remote viewers will be able to experience performances from the pianist’s perspective on the stage of National Philharmonic Hall in Warsaw. Anyone who has VR goggles at home will be able to watch the VR streaming at www.chopin2020.pl. For those who do not have VR goggles, the Competition is introducing special Listener Zones all over the world where music lovers can come together to share the virtual reality experience, and much else.