Virtual Orchestra development began in 1987. The intent was to develop a sophisticated and innovative live-performance music system that was capable of simulating both the sound and behavior of the traditional acoustic orchestra. This implied a performance system with the ability to follow tempo changes and to adjust to subtle musical nuances in real time. Initial research began at the Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati.  While Virtual Orchestra development was continuous and ongoing, it was challenged by the technological conditions that prevailed through the late 1980s and early 1990s. This included slow microprocessor speeds, low memory capability, equipment bulk, and software reliability issues. Regardless of the imposing limitations, the Virtual Orchestra design strategy was daring, risky, and always cutting-edge. That strategy was defined by three fundamental objectives: 1) the deployment of 40+ audio speakers to achieve spatial realism 2) natural interface technology based on physical gesture detection 3) innovative sampling, synthesis, and orchestration techniques for sonic realism  By the mid-1990s, with numerous high-profile performance credits, the Virtual Orchestra had achieved international recognition. However, this early recognition was often critical and accompanied by public outrage. Fueled by musician skepticism and bolstered by union resistance, it was not uncommon to encounter strong anti-Virtual Orchestra reviews such as the following: ......the virtual orchestra work of Bianchi and Smith is responsible for “… the dehumanization of society and the deterioration of education.” Opera Now Charles H. Parsons  Sinfonia® 2004 Annie Annie Get Your Gun (Stone version) Beauty And The Beast Big River Carousel Cats A Christmas Carol Cinderella (1957 Original) Cinderella (1997 Enchanted) Damn Yankees Evita Fiddler On The Roof Footloose A Funny Thing Happened... Guys & Dolls Hansel and Gretel Hairspray High School Musical Into The Woods Jekyll & Hyde Jesus Christ Superstar Joseph...Dreamcoat (Original) Joseph...Dreamcoat (UK-Mega Mix) The King And I Les Miserables Les Miserables SE Little Shop Of Horrors Magic Flute Marriage of Figaro Miss Saigon The Music Man Oklahoma Once Upon A Mattress The Phantom Of The Opera The Producers Ragtime Ragtime SE Rent Rent SE Seussical Singin In The Rain The Sound Of Music South Pacific Sweeney Todd Sweeney Todd SE Thoroughly Modern Millie Thoroughly Modern Millie SE The Wedding Singer West Side Story White Christmas Willy Wonka Wizard of Oz |