'Harmony of the Spheres' concerts

Syntony vocal ensemble

Dr. Paddy McGee (eResearch SA)

Computer-generated animations developed by eResearch SA were used as a visual backdrop for concerts presented by Adelaide-based vocal group Syntony.

The animations consisted of a tour of our solar system, visiting all the major planets, including (as it was at that time) Pluto. Presentation was monoscopic, as a portable stereoscopic projection rig was not available, and most importantly, the visuals were intended as an accompaniment to the music, and not the other way around.

Rendering software was used to generate the imagery, with the virtual camera path set so as to display the main aesthetic qualities of the various planets.The animations were not timed to the pieces performed; during performance, a filler animation of a starry background was used between planet fly-bys, and was run until it was felt that the next fly-by should begin.

The two concerts were held in the Art Gallery of SA Auditorium, and at Veritas Winery in the Barossa Valley, in September and October 2004.