TEDTalks: Music Revolution Season 1 Episode 1 Eric Whitacre: A Virtual Choir 2,000 Voices Strong

TEDTalks: Music Revolution is a series that takes a closer look at the ways in which music changes the world we live in. The first episode of the show focuses on Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir, which began as an experiment in how technology could bring together singers from around the world to create music in a digital environment.

The episode opens with a brief introduction to Eric Whitacre, a composer and conductor with a passion for pushing the boundaries of contemporary choral music. We then see clips of the Virtual Choir in action, as members from all corners of the globe sing together in a virtual space. Whitacre tells us how the idea for the Virtual Choir came about, and how his initial experiment exceeded his wildest expectations.

We are then taken through the process of how the Virtual Choir works. Members from around the world submit videos of themselves singing one of Whitacre's compositions, and these videos are then edited together to create a stunning virtual performance. In the case of the second iteration of the Virtual Choir, over 2,000 videos were submitted, making it the largest choir performance in history at the time.

We see Eric Whitacre and his team working tirelessly to sift through the thousands of videos submitted, and putting them together into one cohesive performance. We hear from some of the members of the Virtual Choir, as they describe the experience of being part of something so large and so unique. We see the joy on their faces as they hear their voice blend with hundreds of others, creating something beautiful and powerful.

Interspersed throughout the episode are performances by Eric Whitacre's own choir, as they showcase some of his compositions. We hear from Whitacre himself, as he talks about what inspires him to create music that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of choral performance. He speaks of the power of music to connect people from different cultures and backgrounds, and to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

The episode ends with a performance of the Virtual Choir's rendition of Whitacre's "Sleep", a hauntingly beautiful piece of music that showcases the power of technology to bring people together through art. We see the faces of the choir members from around the world, each singing their heart out and contributing to something greater than themselves. It is a powerful reminder of the ways in which music can break down barriers and connect people in a way that nothing else can.

Overall, the first episode of TEDTalks: Music Revolution is a moving exploration of Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir and the power of music to unite people from all corners of the world. It is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in contemporary choral music, and a powerful reminder of the ways in which technology can be used to create something truly beautiful.