A review of contemporary practices incorporating digital technologies with live classical music

Over the past few decades orchestras have been exploring different ways to incorporate digital technologies in live performances. At present no research has attempted to categorise the digital technologies employed in live orchestral contexts and to address this gap, this article uncovers digital technologies employed in contemporary practices and organises them into different categories. Included is the analysis of experimentations with electronic music and the performance of hybrid electronic-orchestral composition; the use of video screens and 3D projections in combination with a live orchestral performance; use of mobile technologies to assist or enhance live classical music; experimentations with augmented reality and virtual reality technologies; and the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies. The research sets the basis for a clearer overview of the scope of digital technologies employed by orchestras throughout their live concerts and helps to contextualise orchestras in the wider panorama of the music industry in relation to the use of digital technologies.