Student-Led Audiovisual Performance Merges Classical Music and Animation in Santiago

The fifth edition of *Interpretación Audiovisual* will return to Santiago’s Sala Arrau on June 27, 2024, at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, blending classical music, animation, and design in an immersive experience. Organized by students from the Universidad Diego Portales’ (UDP) Design and Animation programs, the event has transformed how audiences engage with classical compositions since its debut five years ago, according to Camilo Zúñiga, a professor involved in the project.

How Does the Event Combine Music and Visuals?

Students collaborate with the Municipal Orchestra of Santiago to project dynamic animations synchronized with performances of works like Edvard Grieg’s *Suite Holberg* and Ottorino Respighi’s *Antiche Danze ed Arie*. The production involves real-time visual storytelling, with students drawing inspiration from rehearsals and masterclasses led by conductor Jesús Rodríguez. “This year’s edition features the full Chamber Orchestra, which is a significant challenge but also a testament to the students’ growth,” Zúñiga said.

What Role Do Students Play in the Production?

Over 150 students have participated in *Interpretación Audiovisual* since its inception, engaging in hands-on projects that merge artistic disciplines. Prior to the performance, students attended a guided tour of Sala Arrau, a mediation session, and a masterclass with Rodríguez. They also observed a rehearsal of the Chamber Orchestra and a production of *La bohème*, gaining insight into orchestral dynamics and visual storytelling. Antonieta López, another faculty member, highlighted the initiative’s role in fostering “interdisciplinary creativity and practical training.”

Why Is This Event Significant for Santiago’s Cultural Scene?

The Teatro Municipal de Santiago, which hosts the event, has partnered with UDP since 2022 to expand access to classical music through innovative formats. Carmen Gloria Larenas, the theater’s general director, emphasized that the project “fosters dialogue between disciplines and attracts new audiences seeking unconventional experiences.” The collaboration has also provided students with opportunities to work alongside professional musicians and artists, bridging academic training with real-world applications.

What Can Attendees Expect?

The performance will feature two distinct musical pieces: Grieg’s *Suite Holberg*, known for its blend of exuberance and melancholy, and Respighi’s *Antiche Danze ed Arie*, which transitions from delicate melodies to dramatic intensity. Both works will be performed by the Municipal Chamber Orchestra under Rodríguez’s direction. Tickets are available online, with the event aiming to “reimagine classical music as a living, visual art form,” as described by Larenas.

For more details, visit the official ticketing page. The event underscores a growing trend of interdisciplinary arts initiatives, reflecting broader efforts to make classical music more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.