2024: ARRAY2024 – (Virtual) Presence in Hybrid Spaces

When talking about performing music, the focus is usually set on an audible realization of sonic ideas within a physical space – a concert hall or performance location. However, this physical space has been extended by means of media in various ways on acoustic but also on visual levels, e.g. with the integration of audio recordings, video footage, and real-time implementation of audio-visual processing. With the developments in digital networks and the growing bandwidth for online-streaming, new possibilities opened up to extend concerts and performances to performers and listeners who are no longer necessarily physically present at the concert venue.

This issue presents texts connected to the symposium "(Virtual) Presence!? Musical performances in hybrid spaces" that took place on July 17th and 18th, 2024 at Freie Universität Berlin, reacting and reflecting on the discussions at the event, but also extending on connected and ongoing research projects in music research and music practice that explore the boundaries of musical performances in various new spatial settings.