Sony and Berlin Phil Media Enter into Co-creation Partnership to Shape the Future of Experiencing Performing Arts
Sony Corporation ("Sony") and Berlin Phil Media GmbH ("BPM") have entered into a co-creation partnership to create inspiring new experiences and shape the future of performing arts' transmission through technology and creativity. Through this partnership, Sony and BPM will collaborate in areas including the advancement of filming and production solutions for the performing arts, the utilisation of archive assets and enhancement of content value, the creation of new touchpoints with fans, and technological research in artist development.
Sony and the Berliner Philharmoniker have long shared a commitment to enabling musical experiences around the world by means of technology. This relationship dates back to the era when the late Herbert von Karajan, former Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Berliner Philharmoniker, and the late Norio Ohga, former Chairman and CEO of Sony, helped introduce the compact disc to the world. Between 2012 and 2014, Sony and BPM then conducted a proof-of-concept experiment for advanced video production technology through the Berliner Philharmoniker's Digital Concert Hall, its live and archive content distribution platform. Since then, Sony and BPM have remained connected through ongoing dialogue aimed at enhancing through cutting-edge technology how the performing arts can be experienced. This dialogue formed the basis for the now newly established co-creation partnership.
By combining the expressive power unique to the Berliner Philharmoniker's performing arts as produced and distributed by BPM with Sony's technologies and creative expertise, this technological partnership aims to create new ways of experiencing the performing arts as well as new fan touchpoints whilst contributing to the sustainable growth of the industry.
<Key Areas of Collaboration>
Development and implementation of filming and production solutions tailored to the performing arts:
Sony and BPM will work to build infrastructure for creating more compelling video content by combining BPM's production and distribution capabilities with Sony's broad portfolio of imaging technologies, including its Cinema Line cameras, live production and audio technologies, together with its production expertise.
Utilisation of archive assets and enhancement of content value:
Sony and BPM will undertake initiatives to remaster the valuable archival footage accumulated by the Berliner Philharmoniker into high-resolution, high-definition video using RS+™, an upscaling service independently developed by Sony PCL Inc. The companies will also apply Sony's audio processing, advanced analysis, and reproduction technologies to audio data from archived performances to bring out the appeal of historical performances in new ways. Furthermore, by combining these initiatives with technologies and expertise such as XYN™, Sony's spatial content creation solution, the companies will work toward creating new viewing experiences and expanding diverse content offerings.
Creation of new fan touchpoints:
Through co-creation, Sony and BPM aim to make classical music more engaging by creating new ways for people to experience it digitally in their everyday lives. The communication of Classical music will find a new space within Sony's ecosystem with the creative support of BPM, with the aim of deepening long-term connections with fans around the world.
Liberating musical performance from physical constraints through state-of-the-art technology:
The companies will provide lectures and workshops for artists based on research by Dr. Shinichi Furuya of Sony Computer Science Laboratories. They will address technological and ergonomic research in artist development. The aim is to liberate musical performance from physical constraints with the aid of technology for musicians. By leveraging research, as well as sensing, AI, and robotics technologies, the goal is to help artists throughout their careers. Insights gained through the collaboration will be integrated with existing research findings and used to co-create next-generation programmes contributing to further development of music culture.
Comment from Hiroshi Nakamura, Senior Vice President, Sony Corporation
By combining the outstanding artistry that the Berliner Philharmoniker has cultivated over many years with Sony's imaging and audio technologies and creative expertise, we hope to deliver new inspiring experiences in the performing arts to people around the world. Through this partnership, we will bring the appeal of the performing arts to a wider audience, create new viewing experiences, and contribute to the sustainable growth of this field.
Comment from Olaf Maninger, Media Board Member, Managing Director of Berlin Phil Media and Solo Cellist of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Sony is the ideal co-creation partner for the Berliner Philharmoniker. We share the belief that outstanding audiovisual technology is essential to presenting classical music in the highest quality. The Digital Concert Hall was developed based on this technological vision. We are truly looking forward to continuing this journey together with Sony and enabling audiences around the world to experience the performances of the Berliner Philharmoniker in the highest quality.
For more information about the collaboration between Sony and BPM, please visit:
About Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to "create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators," we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world.
For more information, visit: https://www.sony.co.jp/en/
About Berlin Phil Media GmbH
Berlin Phil Media GmbH is a 100% subsidiary of the Berliner Philharmoniker Foundation. Its activities include the Digital Concert Hall streaming platform, the Berliner Philharmoniker Recordings label, international cinema broadcasts, and DCH for Institutions, a global collaboration with universities, libraries and selected partners such as the Goethe Institute.
Berlin Phil Media GmbH is responsible for the production and worldwide distribution of Berliner Philharmoniker concerts across digital and physical media, ensuring the highest standards of quality.
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