VIDEO: Sit with the Orchestra in This 360-Degree Sneak Peek of David Bernard's 'InsideOut' Concerts

David Bernard, Music Director of the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony and the Massapequa Philharmonic, developed a new concert format called "InsideOut" in response to the typical challenges orchestras have been having developing new audiences.

"The enthusiasm classical musicians have for classical music knows no bounds-it is not only intense, but it is infectious," says Bernard. "When I was looking for a way to cultivate new potential audiences members, it dawned on me that all we had to do is share the experience that is already there. Classical music making can be just as incredible for audiences as it is for musicians if we let them inside!"

The InsideOut event includes full performances of classical works, but instead of seating the audience at a distance or even around the orchestra, Bernard seats them inside the orchestra, amongst and in between the musicians. "Each audience member can see, feel and hear the music around them," says Bernard. "Once they try it, they are hooked!"

In trials with several orchestras, Bernard has seen indications that InsideOut Events are succeeding at engaging audiences. "We've seen classical music novices emerge enthusiastic about live concerts and experienced concert goers amazed at the detail and dimensionality of the InsideOut experience. Sitting far away in typical audience seats brings a more flattened view of the music making. With InsideOut, we can give you a much more robust experience."

To help convey the InsideOut Experience to new audiences, the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony has released a 360 degree video exclusively to BroadwayWorld, which allows the viewer to emulate the experience of attending an InsideOut Concert. Be sure to use your mouse to change the viewing angle interactively, as you would turn your head if you were seeing this performance live. Check it out below!

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"Still a relatively new technology, 360-degree video is a great way to give prospective audience members a glimpse of an InsideOut Experience ," says Bernard. "During these events, I encourage audience members to look around the room to view musicians across sections to help them capture the full experience happening around them. With this 360 degree video, you can interactively change the viewing angle mimicking turning your head. Of course the 360-degree video can't begin convey the insight, and the sheer thrill of being there, it does at least give you hint "

Take a look at this video to get a sneak peek of an InsideOut Experience, where you get to sit in the orchestra alongside your 'fellow' musicians and be conducted by Maestro David Bernard for a movement of Berlioz's witching Symphonie Fantastique - the main work on this Saturday's Halloween program at the DiMenna Center For Classical Music!

Whether you are a classical music novice, experienced concert goer, or simply someone looking for a new, exciting and different experience for Halloween, the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony's "Halloween from the InsideOut" might be just the right thing.

With audience seats inside the orchestra, seating is limited. Tickets are only available online HERE. Watch a trailer for InsideOut below!

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