An evening showcasing outcomes of a UK research council funded Research and Partnership Development project on the next generation of immersive experiences.

The Immersion and Inclusive Music Performance project brings together an interdisciplinary team from Queen’s University Belfast, Drake Music Northern Ireland, Hard Rain Soloist Ensemble (HRSE), and immersive content designers BeAnotherLab.

Throughout the project we addressed challenges of the next generation of immersive experiences in music performance and disability. Our aim was to better understand and share experiences of young musicians affected by a physical disability.

Tonight’s event showcases several immersive works, including 3D sound designs in the unique Sonic Laboratory at Queen’s University, as well as other inclusive immersive technology designs that help us in sharing the musicians’ journeys and collaborations.

The evening will open with a VR experience session (5pm – 6pm), followed by a performance at 6.15pm. We will break for a wine reception at 7pm. The evening will end with a public debate on inclusion, disability and emerging technologies  (7.30pm – 8.30pm).

The debate will be moderated by

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  Professor Michael Alcorn, Founder of the Sonic Arts Research Centre, Belfast and Dean of Internationalisation, Queen’s University Belfast

  
  

With opening remarks by the Team leaders, including Dr Franziska Schroeder, Dr Karen Rafferty and Dr Matilde Meireles – Sonic Arts Research Centre / Queen’s University Belfast.

Invited Guest Speakers:

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  Deepa Mann-Kler – CEO of Neon and Artist: www.discoverneon.com

  
  


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  Oliver Mantell – Director of Policy Research at The Audience Agency: www.theaudienceagency.org

  
  


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  Chris Proctor – Inclusive  music concert programmer, TownHall & Symphony Hall, Birmingham  

  
  


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  Andrew Stanford – Inclusion Lead Artist at Replay Theatre Company, Belfast (a Northern Irish theatre company that creates ground-breaking, multi-sensory inclusive productions for disabled audiences).
  

  
  

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  Dr Michelle McCormack –  CEO of Drake Music Northern Ireland