An attempt to innovate the tradition of classical music with the latest technology has led to the creation of a new form. Kadokawa Corporation and Dwango Co., Ltd. are jointly developing a virtual artist development project called “PortaMeta“, and their third project, featuring their first-ever violinist “Shiratama Yura Fuwari,” is set to debut on July 28, 2023. To celebrate her debut, her first live stream is scheduled on YouTube Live at 9 PM on the same day.

Project and Debut Details

“PortaMeta” is drawing attention as a project that merges reality with virtual, expanding the possibilities of the classical music world. Shiratama Yura Fuwari was selected through auditions that included internationally active violinist Mone Hattori, following a judging process led by Keitaro Harada, the conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra.

On her official YouTube channel, a variety of performance videos across different genres are available. Among them, modern arrangements of classical masterpieces, anime songs, and Vocaloid performances are likely to captivate many fans. Information on upcoming activities will also be available on the Official Shiratama Yura Fuwari YouTube Channel and Official Shiratama Yura Fuwari X.

Fusion of Music and Technology

The background of this virtual artist project is the desire to offer new ways to enjoy classical music and convey its charm to younger generations. Dwango and the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra have introduced many innovations to the music world, including the Nicovideo Tokyo Symphony Orchestra (NicoKyo).

Character Design and Future Prospects

The character design for Shiratama Yura Fuwari is by illustrator Kaomin, who is highly regarded for their work on VTubers and VRChat avatars. Future activities will primarily focus on YouTube and social media, with potential appearances at real concerts also considered.

Impressions and Prospects

The debut of Shiratama Yura Fuwari represents a symbolic example of the new fusion between music and technology. It holds the potential to breathe new life into the tradition of classical music and expand its fan base. The impact of this endeavor on music fans worldwide is eagerly anticipated as the project progresses.

Source: PR TIMES