From January 11 to 14, 2025, Princeton University Concerts (PUC) brings back the “Future Presence” program at the Woolworth Music Building. The program will allow audiences to explore Felix Mendelssohn’s music through an innovative virtual reality (VR) and spatial sound experience created by the Mahler Chamber Orchestra (MCO). “Future Presence” will also run as part of Princeton's Wintersession on Tuesday, Jan. 14 from 2-6 p.m. for members of the University community.

This interactive experience takes participants on a groundbreaking journey through several selections from Mendelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 61,” including the beloved, famous “Wedding March.” 

Using virtual reality headsets, audiences can explore the musicians from all angles — moving around, over, and under them — while a multi-dimensional recording reacts in real time. Unlike typical VR music experiences at home, “Future Presence” emphasizes 3D sound recorded with advanced audio technology, which shifts as participants navigate the virtual space.

“Last year, the North American Premiere of this novel experience was wildly popular and elicited such unexpectedly emotional reactions,” says PUC director Marna Seltzer. “Of course, this is not a replacement for live concertgoing; rather, it is an entirely new and exciting way to experience music in an interactive, immediate, immersive and truly beautiful way.”

The VR experience simulates an intimate setting, making listeners feel as if they are alone with the musicians. Unlike traditional concerts and recordings, where a designated seat or an engineer controls the acoustics, “Future Presence” offers listeners the freedom to wander. This allows them to perceive how the sound shifts as they navigate the virtual environment. 

The MCO began “Future Presence” in 2019 with Henrik Oppermann, their artistic partner for immersive experiences. They worked together on Symphony, a virtual reality project featuring former PUC artist-in-residence Maestro Gustavo Dudamel.

The new installation, as developers describe it, “addresses themes of voice, structure, space, collaboration, listening and fantasy — central to music” and “transforms the listener’s experience, challenging conventional acoustical ‘sweet spots’ to create a new fluid aural experience that reflects dynamic interactions in music and among musicians.”  

Timed-entry tickets can be purchased for slots ranging from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The price is $20 for general admission and $10 for students, available at puc.princeton.edu or by calling 609-258-9220. Each time slot allows a maximum of eight guests aged 10 and older. For inquiries and to view a video preview of this experience, please check the event listing at puc.princeton.edu.