Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir, Live at TED 2013

Eric Whitacre is a world-acclaimed composer and conductor. His Virtual Choir project began in May 2009 as a simple experiment in social media, when Britlin Losee; a fan of Eric Whitacre's music; recorded a video of her singing "Sleep" and sent it to Eric. Mesmerised by hearing her sing he put out a call to other singers to join her in singing, recording and uploading them to YouTube. Scott Haines stepped forward and offered to cut them together to create Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir 1: Lux Aurumque. The experiment was so successful that Eric has since gone on to create Virtual Choirs 2 and 3, with Virtual Choir 4 rolling out in April of 2013.

Skype empowered Eric to take his virtual choir even further as he conducted the first live Virtual Choir at TED 2013. No pre-records or editing required: this was a one-take performance. Eric conducted a 100 person-strong live choir on the TED stage plus a live Virtual Choir of 30 people, performing live from 28 countries around the globe. Each of the Virtual Choir streamed live through Skype in real-time on the main stage large screen. For the choir members themselves, Skype Video Calling has meant that their experience has advanced unequivocally, from one of a solitary event to an unforgettable, group achievement.

[FitzEm]

This brought tears to my eyes. I could watch this all day! Being in Choir is definitely the best thing to EVER happen to me. Thank you Eric for this wonderful project.

[palmeraimee]

It just shows how united people from around the world are with music

[laragene]

When life is uncertain I often turn to the spirit that is evident in the passion of others whether it be music, science, research, teaching, or just being. I can alway find it at TED and I am grateful and inspired to have stumbled on this today! Thank you.

[arnold]

Absolutely stunned by this idea of uniting individuals all over the world to sing with the use of technology. Amazing.

[normangraf]

Hands down Eric. You are making history.

[jericho]

Congratulations to everyone who made this one possible. You guys are all great.

[jonathanfoley]

This one is the best. Definitely worth watching.

[schoolvocalize]

That would be so amazing to do that remotely with my students. We would all be so happy... Beautiful!

[albertoholmer]

I swear tears fall from my eyes upon hearing all of them and seeing the smiles in thei faces was priceless.

[agustinemurray]

I had goosebumps listening to these people from all over the world. So awesome.

[denzellister]

I really am speechless. I'm lost of words. This is so beyond my expectation.

[CAinSapporo]

It was so thrilling to be a part of this experience. I especially love that people from all over the world are being brought together by music!

[WeiJiang]

The best part of this whole experience was actually the aftermath - meeting and befriending a group of people around the world who share a love of music

Since the performance, the singers from this performance and formed a choir. We've just this week released our first performance singing together - a recording of The Seal Lullaby by Eric Whitacre. :)

[aishapowel]

Definitely one of the best things technology has done to the world.

[veroniquesournies]

Beautiful!!! What a great and excitng experience!! Brought tears to my eyes as well!!!!

[peytonaddison]

My brother is in this video! And he is amazing.

[vincentquinn]

Stunningly beautiful! Keep up the good work!

[arnie]

I hope to see more. Maybe next time, more number people might get the chance to join.

[bprincessanne]

That is so cool I know its possible since they are using skype.

[cristalfirth]

Perfect!! I wanna see full performance of this one. Anyone here who knows where to watch it?