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Karl Gehrke
St. Paul, Minn.

Orchestral fans take a swing at conducting a virtual orchestra

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Linda Ward
After attending the Minnesota Orchestra's holiday pops concert, Linda Ward gives the Virtual Maestro a try.
MPR Photo/Karl Gehrke

Two of the hottest video games this Christmas season are Guitar Hero 3 and Rock Band. Both let players act out their rock star fantasies. A new interactive installation at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis gives classical music fans the opportunity of experiencing their dreams of conducting a great symphony.

The Virtual Maestro is in the lobby during this season's holiday performances.

Virtual Maestro screen
The Virtual Maestro screen.
MPR Photo/Karl Gehrke

It's one of two installations the Minnesota Orchestra's season sponsor UBS has traveling to concert halls around the country.

Minnesota Public Radio's Karl Gehrke stopped by Orchestra Hall as concert goers tried their hands at conducting a virtual orchestra.

Gallery
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Jack Strouble
After singing with the Minnesota Orchestra, Jack Strouble of the Minnesota Boychoir takes his turn as a virtual maestro after the concert.
MPR Photo/Karl Gehrke
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Middle school girls
Middle school girls from Rice Lake, Wisconsin take turns as virtual maestros.
MPR Photo/Karl Gehrke
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Sarah Hatsuko Hicks
Minnesota Orchestra Assistant Conductor Sarah Hatsuko Hicks leads the virtual orchestra after conducting the Minnesota Orchestra's morning holiday pops concert.
MPR Photo/Karl Gehrke