In a revolutionary year for music access around the world, one of Australia’s most iconic music meccas has jumped on board with plans to stream live performances around the globe.
The Sydney Opera House and online video streaming heavyweight YouTube have today announced a partnership that will see 20 live performances streamed live over the internet, starting as early as next year.
The new two year partnership will drastically increase the Opera House’s audience reach, which already welcomes upwards of 1.4 million people witnessing over 1,800 performances each year, as it showcases performances to all corners of the globe via the internet video website.
Head of Music Partnerships YouTube Australian & New Zealand, Richard North, issued a statement reading: “Sydney Opera House is one of the most ambitious and truly innovative venues in the world. They have a long-standing commitment to using technology to democratise access to their incredible performances.”
Clearly excited at the announcement, North later added: “Building on hugely successful events like YouTube Symphony Orchestra and Vivid LIVE 2012, this new, long-term partnership is going to open up even more of the Opera House’s events to our 800 million strong monthly audience, showcasing the best of Australia and the world, live on the world’s largest stage – YouTube.”
During the Vivid LIVE festival in 2012, The Temper Trap performed their second, self-titled album in a streamed performance that attracted 296,000 unique views; an audience 100 times greater than that which watched the live performance in the Concert Hall.“This new, long-term partnership… [is] showcasing the best of Australia and the world, live on the world’s largest stage – YouTube.” – Richard North, YouTube
The Temper Trap’s show was one of four successfully broadcast via YouTube from the iconic venue, including an intimate performance from Imogen Heap, electronic maestro Amon Tobin’s ISAM Live Beyond 3D audio/visual extravaganza; and the German design company URBANSCREEN projecting transformative images onto the famous sails and exterior of the Sydney Opera House.
Opera House CEO Louise Herron was just as jubilant about the new alliance, adding: “I am hugely excited that this partnership will allow the Opera House to deliver some of our finest performances live across Australia and the world.”
Commenting on the venue’s adaption of the digital musical revolution, Herron later added: “Online video is a major part of our strategy to ensure Opera House experiences are available to anyone, anywhere at any time. The past financial year saw our online video views experience 300% growth. Over the coming years we expect that the numbers watching on YouTube will match or exceed the 8.2 million who visit our precinct annually.”
The first taste of the new partnership is not far away, with a press release announcing fans will be able to access live performances at the Opera House in the New Year, with the first key performance set to be announced early 2013.
The partnership adds to the recent list of online video streaming events christened in 2012, including digital streaming platform Deezer, who officially launched in Sydney recently, and featured live performances from Urthboy, Flume, Bertie Blackman, and Bento – streaming their sets worldwide from Australia.
Over in Melbourne, St. Kilda’s Pure Pop Records are also taking advantage of the YouTube revolution, live streaming their Summer Of Classic Albums series – an exhaustive programme of 68 local artists tackling 68 iconic album releases in the St. Kilda record store-come-music venue; simulcasting the one-of-a-kind performances online via YouTube with thanks to partners, Valleyarm Digital and Cinematix.
