Reinventing the live music experience – through collaboration

Kalaudioscope aims to open up concert halls to far more people than those who can be physically present. With the help of future technologies, publicly funded culture can reach a wider audience, become more accessible, and even evolve through co-creation with listeners – giving rise to entirely new artistic formats.

For several years, work has been under way to develop a solution that allows audiences to shape their own live-streamed music experience. What began as a handful of experimental projects has now evolved into a broader innovation portfolio – a deliberate attempt to bring together technology, culture and law in a way that can transform how we encounter music.

THE BENEFITS OF AN INNOVATION PORTFOLIO

“Each project is driven by its own logic, but the benefit of the portfolio is that we get discussions between the projects. This makes the whole stronger than the sum of its parts,” says Jesper Larsson, initiator and Portfolio Manager with a background as leader of large performing arts organizations.

Formally, the ties are still loose, but experience shows that the portfolio concept itself strengthens creativity and development.

THE WHOLE CHAIN HAS TO WORK

Each element is crucial – and none of them can be solved in isolation.

”This is where collaboration becomes decisive. Universities bring in research capacity and academic legitimacy. Its involvement ensures that work within the portfolio is grounded in transparency and the principles of research rather than narrow commercial interests,” Jesper Larsson explains.

The cultural sector provides the content and an understanding of audiences’ needs. Businesses contribute with technical know-how and the ability to turn prototypes into working products. By organizing the different strands of work as a portfolio, rather than as scattered individual projects, the initiative creates space for shared learning and creative cross-pollination.

A GOOD CATALYST

Future by Lund has emerged as a central hub in the innovation portfolio, not least because it is jointly owned by several parties.

“Future by Lund becomes an important hub, not only because of the university, but because companies and the municipality are also involved. It’s a very good catalyst for discussion and dialogue,” says Jesper Larsson.

“Instead of running projects side by side, the portfolio encourages us to look at the bigger picture,” he continues “What matters is not only what each project delivers, but how they spark new ideas in each other.”

WORKING ACROSS SECTORS

The promise is significant. For artists, this could open up new revenue streams and bring performances to audiences far beyond the physical concert hall. For audiences, it means a more personalized and interactive way of experiencing music – whether through choosing camera angles, engaging in digital watch parties, or simply enjoying a smoother and higher-quality stream. And for companies, the effort provides a living lab in which to test new technologies such as 5G streaming or AI-driven personalization.

At the same time, the collaboration also surfaces bigger questions. How should copyright and data protection laws adapt to a world where the boundary between live and digital performance becomes increasingly blurred? How can technology serve culture without reducing it to just another product?

The answers are far from clear. But by working together across sectors – and by treating innovation as a collective endeavor rather than a series of isolated experiments – the project is laying the groundwork for cultural experiences that are both more accessible and more democratic.

AI AND DIGITAL TWINS

Now it’s time for the next big step. An application to Horizon Pathfinder Open has been submitted together with partners in several European countries. The goal is to develop a digital twin of a physical cinema.

“The idea is that AI will be able to predict the audience’s wishes and adapt the experience. Most people don’t want to sit and control the technology themselves, but they want a version that feels tailored to them,” says Jesper Larsson.

The autumn will see more technical tests, including new broadcasts with Malmö Opera and the development of interactive features such as online social viewing groups. At the same time, discussions are ongoing about long-term funding.

‘For me, it’s about how culture can reach citizens in new ways. It’s both challenging and educational – but I’m convinced that we’re facing completely new opportunities for artists and audiences to meet,’ says Jesper Larsson.

Facts: Kalaudioscope is an innovation portfolio to enhance, make available and expand live experiences with new technologies and an ethical approach that cares for artistic expression. Its mission is to enable everyone to participate in the world of music and performing arts – regardless of context, background or ability – by providing (digital) access to immersive live content. Kalaudioscope emerges from a collaboration at Lund University, led by Faculty of Fine and Performing Arts, and is coordinated by Future by Lund. Several tech companies as well as concert organisers are involved.

https://ekipengine.eu/digital-concerts-raise-new-legal-questions/