In the News: Allentown Symphony, Da Vinci Science Center’s exhibition lets visitors perform ‘Ninth Symphony’

Excerpt from story by Micaela Hood at LehighValleyNews.com

Sixth-grader Anthony Mora Lopez had only been playing the flute for El Sistema Lehigh Valley three months when he found himself inside a full symphony orchestra — or at least, a digital version of one.

Anthony, a South Mountain Middle School student, said he loves how “fluid” the flute sounds, especially when played by professionals.

But on Thursday evening, Anthony got to feel like one himself inside “Become a Musician,” the Da Vinci Science Center’s newest immersive exhibit, created in collaboration with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra.

“It’s pretty immersive,” he said.

“It’s like becoming an avatar — and it’s kind of like video games, so that makes it really cool.”

Anthony and his fellow musicians from El Sistema Lehigh Valley — Allentown Symphony’s free after-school program started in 2011 — rotated through stations, teaching attendees at Thursday’s preview of the new exhibition inside the Da Vinci Science Center, at 815 Hamilton St.

The interactive experience lets museum-goers become a part of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony” as they isolate instruments and watch a projection of the orchestra — and themselves that is captured via a quick selfie — spread across a 54-foot wall.

A ‘first-of-Its-kind’ collaboration

Da Vinci Science Center Chief Executive Officer Lin Erickson said seeing young musicians respond so instantly is on-brand for both organizations.

“This interactive experience is a unique collaboration between a premier science and music organization in the Lehigh Valley,” Erickson said.

“Learning is most powerful when it’s hands-on, joyful, and unexpected.”

The installation links science and art — from sound waves to rhythm patterns — and introduces classical music to new audiences in a way that feels natural, not intimidating, Erickson said.

Allentown Symphony Orchestra Music Director Diane Wittry said Thursday’s event offered a glimpse into the future of music education.

“There is nothing like this in the entire United States,” Wittry said.

She said she wanted to remove obstacles that keep people — especially children — from experiencing orchestral music.

“This takes away the barriers,” she said. “People can control their experience — how long they stay, what they listen for — and everyone can access great music.”