A data visualisation on a black background, arranged in a semi-circular grid of concentric arcs. Coloured dots, diamonds and triangles are plotted across the grid, with several white points emitting grey beams of light.

Web Design: Sennep teach us to love the orchestra with new website for LSO

Words: James Cartwright
—
Date: 9 October 2013; Work

This latest collaboration between the London Symphony Orchestra and interactive design studio Sennep has been specifically directed towards schools and students as an educational tool to teach kids about the make-up of a classical orchestra. Which I guess means we’re just a bunch of big kids over here as we’ve spent a fair bit of time playing with it and getting to know the orchestra that little bit better.

The website plays host to a series of musical masterpieces played by the LSO and recorded live. Sennep’s interaction design enables users to find out more about each individual instrument, it’s history and manufacture, through a colourful graphic interface, plus you get to meet the principal players of the London Symphony Orchestra.

The first piece available is Ravel’s Bolero, a suitably stirring introduction to the format, but more are due to follow in the coming weeks to school you in musical history. Repeat after me: “The piccolo was invented by Theobold Boehm, a flautist from Munich.” Very good.