WHEN the Philharmonia Orchestra comes to Basingstoke, audiences will be able to experience the concert like never before.

Before and after show at the Anvil on Saturday, 4 November and during the interval, audience members will have the opportunity to explore a free virtual reality experience.

Concert goers can step inside the Philharmonia Orchestra and take the best seat in the house, on stage in front of Esa-Pekka Salonen with the virtual reality experience The Virtual Orchestra.

Virtual reality headsets and headphones, will be made available so guests can be whisked out to the South Bank in London, backstage at Royal Festival Hall and then on stage in the centre of the orchestra as Salonen conducts the finale of Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony.

The Virtual Orchestra offers a 360-degree experience, recorded with 3D audio and video, opening up the inner workings of a world-class symphony orchestra.

The main show at the Anvil will be conducted by Edward Gardner, who was last at The Anvil in January at the beginning of the year. The concert includes Elgar’s lively In the South (Alassio) and his symphony no. 1 which contains some of his most beautiful music. In between these two pieces is the world premiere of British composer Joseph Phibbs’ Clarinet Concerto performed by Mark van de Wiel.

For more information about the upcoming performance and to book tickets visit anvilarts.org.uk/philharmonia.