Southbank Centre, London
Playing With Fire is an innovative installation that allows pianist Yuja Wang to perform simultaneously in two distinct locations, effectively existing in two universes at once. The piece features Wang’s avatar performing works by composers ranging from Ravel and Debussy to Prokofiev and Liszt, while dazzling virtual environments materialize around her for an audience equipped with VR headsets.
Often described as Disney’s Fantasia on steroids, the experience conjures nine luminous dreamworlds corresponding to nine musical pieces. It represents a unique intersection of music and technology, allowing a soloist—known for her role at the Last Night of the Proms—to deliver a parallel performance in a different London venue.
The project is a collaboration between the pianist, director Pierre-Alain Giraud, and artist Gabríela Friðriksdóttir, produced by Vive Arts and Atlas V. Having previously premiered in Cannes, Paris, and Shanghai, the installation now has a London home at the Southbank Centre, running until the end of the year.
Did anyone else find the VR headset cumbersome? The concept is brilliant, but staying comfortable for ninety minutes is tough.
The Fantasia comparison is spot on. It’s like watching the interactive version of that film, but with real virtuosity.
Yuja Wang’s avatar playing Liszt while surrounded by floating glass structures? I need tickets immediately. Sounds absolutely mesmerizing.
Is it actually innovative or just Flashback for the iPad generation? Classical music needs new audiences, but is this it?
I went expecting a gimmick but the visuals were genuinely breathtaking. A new era for classical music engagement.