Callas Sings Again

[Mashinka]

Last night I was taken to the most extraordinary concert performance of a hologram of Maris Callas backed by a live orchestra.  Has this been done elsewhere?

It was actually more enjoyable than it sounds, though Maria herself still remained slightly two dimensional  from where I was sitting, but was convincing enough to have her aficionados responding with floods of applause.  A new experience and great fun.

[dirac]

I've heard of hologram Tupacs and Roy Orbisons, but no classical performers. I'm glad you had a good time, but the whole business creeps me out, honestly.

[nanushka]

Yes, this is being done all over — more info is here.

I can imagine it being an engaging experience, but I wonder if I'd feel I'd had enough after a couple arias. I suppose a lot would depend on the crowd, the vividness of the sound (especially for opera, which is all about no amplification), etc.

I definitely don't think it would creep me out or anything—just another step up from video, really.

[dirac]

It seems to me that videos and other footage made of the live performer during that person's life are in a  different category from digital exhumations of that performer.  I'm not sure I'd ever be tempted to try it, myself, but  plainly there's a market for it, and if people get something from it then I'm happy for them.

Thank you for starting the topic, Mashinka, and telling us your impressions.