TSO uses iPads for musical scores after partnership with TasPlates

The TSO is regarded as one of the leading small orchestras in the world. Read how musicians are embracing new technology.

TasPlates CEO David McGrath (second from right in the front) with TSO musicians (from left to right) Anna Larsen Roach, Lucy Carrig-Jones and David Robins (with Aurora Henrich on double bass (right) and other musicians in the background. Picture Caleb Miller.

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra is going digital.

While the 17 member Australian Chamber Orchestra uses iPads for musical scores, the TSO is believed to be the first full symphony orchestra in the southern hemisphere to embrace new technology.

Custom number plate provider, TasPlates, has partnered with the TSO to provide each musician and guest performer with an iPad for reading and annotating music scores.

The musicians use foot pedals to move between pages.

Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra double bass player Aurora Heinrich. Picture Caleb Miller.

Concertmaster Emma McGrath said it was “a learning curve for everyone”, but was working well with musicians having group seminars on how to use the software.

“I think it can seem a bit daunting because you get stuck in your ways doing something one way,” she said.

“But as soon as you start trying it of course it feels awkward and clunky to start with, and then the more you do it, the more you forget the old way.

“You just go, ‘wow, this is so easy’.”

Principal timpani Matthew Goddard loves using iPads instead of sheet music including playing in low-light settings.

“You don’t get crumpled pieces of paper, it’s really easy to mark things up and it’s easy to rub out,” he said.

“You don’t have to sharpen your pencil.

“It really works in a series like Obscura when the stage is quite dark and there are changes in lighting.

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra is now using iPads instead of sheet music. Picture Caleb Miller.

“It means that you can see your music without there having to be a big light above you.”

TasPlates CEO David McGrath said the partnership with the TSO was a perfect match.

“Creativity and innovation is what we’re about at TasPlates and certainly when you step into the TSO, either in the rehearsal theatre or the main auditorium, creativity and innovation is exactly what they live and breathe every single day,” he said.

“The introduction of digital sheet music is unique and innovative for orchestras around the world, so to be able to help the TSO be a world leader in this space is exciting.”

The TSO’s season opens on March 1 with Grammy-winning Canadian violinist James Ehnes and the TSO’s Chief Conductor Eivind Aadland.

Originally published as TSO uses iPads for musical scores after partnership with TasPlates