Frederick Bianchi

In 1988, Bianchi began developing interactive computer music systems and Virtual Orchestra technology with research partner David B. Smith.

Controversy has surrounded Bianchi’s work and research which has prompted international debate regarding the future of music performance and technology.

In 2004, the British Musician’s Union threatened to strike over the use of Virtual Orchestra technology in the remount of Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theater in London’s West End.

The walkout was eventually thwarted when the Musician’s Union conceded that it could not prevent producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh from using the technology.

Bianchi’s Virtual Orchestra work includes over 300,000 performances worldwide and collaborations with Lucent Technologies and Cirque du Soleil.