360-Degree Capture Opens up Silver Birch to the World

With the premiere of Roxanna Panufnik's People's Opera Silver Birch taking place this weekend, we are pleased to announce a groundbreaking digital partnership with BBC Arts Digital and Pinewood Studios which will see sections of the performance captured by 360-degree cameras and ambisonic microphones in a project entitled Person 181.

With 180 community participants performing in Silver Birch, alongside professional singers and orchestra, this partnership project opens up the experience of participating in a live performance to the online viewer: the 181st participant.

For the first time ever, full access will be granted to backstage areas, warm up sessions with the cast and, ultimately, the live performance.

"Garsington Opera is excited to be working in partnership with BBC Arts Digital and Pinewood Studios on this amazing project. Person 181 will extend the reach of Roxanna Panufnik's People's Opera to the world, using cutting-edge technology and innovative digital story-telling. We hope that the project will reach those who are unable to take part in creative projects, giving them a first-person experience of the amazing journey each of the community participants has been on to perform in Silver Birch" commented Johnny Langridge, Director of Development & Communications.

Person 181 will be available online via BBC Arts Digital free of charge from the autumn this year.