Abstract
This is a 15 minute performance by musicians who act as biological processing elements creating a computer whose calculations are done live by classical music.
The 'silicon chips' at the heart of our computers are made up of billions of metallic elements. Tiny electrical currents flow between these elements as processing is done. In Orchestral Processing Unit a simple 'musical chip' is created, replacing these metal elements with people. And rather than electrical currents, musical melodies are used to specify and do calculations live on stage. It is a calculator embedded in a chamber orchestra, but not only can the audience hear, and see the calculations emerging in real-time, they can feel them.
The 'silicon chips' at the heart of our computers are made up of billions of metallic elements. Tiny electrical currents flow between these elements as processing is done. In Orchestral Processing Unit a simple 'musical chip' is created, replacing these metal elements with people. And rather than electrical currents, musical melodies are used to specify and do calculations live on stage. It is a calculator embedded in a chamber orchestra, but not only can the audience hear, and see the calculations emerging in real-time, they can feel them.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 28 Feb 2015 |
| Event | Orchestral Processing Unit - Theatre 1, Roland Levinsky Building, Plymouth University, Plymouth, United Kingdom Duration: 28 Feb 2015 → … |