Radio Enters the Metaverse

Boston's WGBH Radio plans to score a virtual first for public radio on Tuesday when pianist Jeremy Denk performs a live concert on-air, online and in the virtual world Second Life. It's a user-created 3-D virtual world in which "Residents" interact, play and do business with each other as animated avatars.

On Brightonia, WGBH Radio's virtual island home named after the Brighton neighborhood that's home to the station, Residents can play a grand piano, swim, sail, and relax by a campfire, while listening to WGBH's audio streams.

Sounds idyllic? There's more! Brightonia is also home to a virtual music studio based on WGBH Radio's real-world Fraser Performance Studio. The detailed digital replica was created with the help of a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s Public Media Innovation Fund Program.

On Tuesday, May 27, at 11 am, Denk's live real-world performance will be simultaneously broadcast in Brightonia. Second Life audiences will be able to hear the live performance for free, and watch avatars representing Denk and WGBH classical host Cathy Fuller. Following the performance, Denk will host a question-and-answer session with the audience in Second Life.

(Image from WGBH)