Symphony San Jose is set to offer a unique experience to audiences at the California Theatre by showcasing cellist Yves Dhar engaging in an on-stage musical duel with an AI-driven hologram named AGNES.
The composition “Automation” by Adam Schoenberg is tailored for the tech-savvy community of Silicon Valley, presenting a modern twist on the traditional concerto format.
Robert Massey, the executive artistic director of Symphony San Jose, ponders the profound question of whether music crafted by a soulless machine can evoke the same emotions as music born from human creativity, inviting the audience to contemplate this during the concert.
The collaboration between Dhar and Schoenberg for a cello concerto commission in 2019 led to the innovative idea of integrating a hologram into the performance, culminating in the creation of AGNES. The juxtaposition of human artistry against technological innovation in an orchestral setting sparks a deeper exploration of themes such as old versus new, analog versus digital, and man versus machine.
The upcoming performances of “Automation” will exude a cinematic aura, drawing the audience into a narrative woven through the musical composition and the visual spectacle on stage. The incorporation of a Halldorophone, an electronic cello-like instrument with a distinct sound, further enhances the otherworldly ambiance of the concert.
In addition to the musical experience, a panel discussion preceding the concerts will delve into the utilization of artificial intelligence in music, featuring insights from Schoenberg, Kathryn Leonard of Occidental College’s computer science department, and moderated by Nick Larson from the Silicon Zombies podcast.
The concert program will also embrace a science-fiction/fantasy theme, including renowned pieces like John Adams’ “Short Ride in a Fast Machine,” Paul Dukas’ “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” and Richard Strauss’ “Also Sprach Zarathustra.” The event promises to captivate both regular concertgoers and newcomers alike with its innovative approach and exceptional musical offerings.
For those interested in attending, tickets can be purchased at www.symphonysanjose.org.
CAMPBELL CONSTRUCTION: Downtown Campbell is currently undergoing a significant transformation with a $22.3 million renovation of the library in progress. While the old library building undergoes renovations, patrons are directed to the temporary Campbell Express Library located at the Campbell Community Center’s Building E. Additionally, preparations are underway for the construction of a new police building on First Street, signaling further development in the area.
The ongoing construction projects will impact the regular Thursday evening summer concert series typically held on Orchard City Green near the Ainsley House. However, music events along Campbell Avenue and within other venues remain unaffected, with hopes that the construction will conclude in time for next summer’s activities.
COUNTY HONORS MR. ROADSHOW: The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors paid tribute to the late Gary Richards, known as Mr. Roadshow, during a recent meeting. Gary’s contributions to transportation and his popular column were commemorated, highlighting the lasting impact he had on both commuters and policymakers in the region. Supervisor Cindy Chavez shared that various transportation boards, including VTA, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and Caltrain, have all honored Mr. Roadshow’s memory.
Suggestions have emerged to honor Gary Richards further, with proposals ranging from renaming a San Jose street to dedicating a section of a South Bay freeway in his honor. While one reader proposed naming the perpetually under-construction stretch of Highway 101 between San Jose and Menlo Park after Gary, there is a call for a tribute that brings joy to commuters navigating that route.
