‘Virtual’ piano duo recital links three university audiences

The recital took place before a live audience at the Ruth Lilly Auditorium of the University Library. Pianists Reid Alexander, professor of music at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Jo Ellen DeVilbiss, director of the Music Conservatory of Central Illinois, shared one piano for a performance of classical selections. Audiences at three other universities enjoyed the performance simultaneously via streamed media over Internet2—the computer network connecting a consortium of 200 universiti es.

“The power of the Internet and Internet2 can transport live performances to students and audiences worldwide, bringing interactive experiences to music listeners,” said David Peters, director of the School of Music. “IUPUI has taken a leadership role in e xperimenting with Internet2 music performances and music instruction.” IUPUI’s School of Music offers the nation’s first master of science degree in music technology, a degree that can be earned entirely online.

Nearly 100 faculty and students made up the concert audiences at Pennsylvania State University, Southern Methodist University and the University of Illinois. Through two-way communications available via Internet2, audiences at IUPUI and the other universi ties interacted with each other and the performers, asking questions regarding the musical selections and performance techniques.

For those who missed the performance, go to this archival site to view:

http://music.iupui.edu/pianoduo.htm