From January 8th to 10th, 2025, the XTREME consortium gathered in Helsinki for three days of collaboration, innovation, and inspiration. Hosted by the Finnish National Opera and Ballet (FNOB) and Aalto University, the meeting brought together XTREME partners to discuss the project’s progress, share insights, and shape the future of our research in XR and spatial sound.

Highlights from the Agenda:

🎤 Day 1 at Aalto University:

  • The day began with a warm welcome from Mikko Sams at Aalto, followed by project updates from various work packages, highlighting XTREME’s ongoing progress.
  • In the evening, we attended a captivating Don Carlo opera rehearsal at FNOB, drawing inspiration from the live performance.

🎭 Day 2 at Finnish National Opera and Ballet:

  • The day started by a warm welcome by the Opera’s General Director Gita Kadambi, followed by a variety of engaging sessions, including a 4DSOUND demo by Poul Holleman, XR-stage presentation, and lessons from our recent Data Capturing Event by Adrian Hazzard and Laurence Cliffe.
  • After lunch small group brainstorming sessions centered on the Opera MR Production, addressing key areas such as visual capturing, sound, audience inclusion, and technical delivery, facilitated by Ane Skak, Miia Lallukka and Thomas de Mallet Burgess.
  • The day concluded with an official working dinner at the stunning Balcony Foyer of the Opera House.

📚 Day 3 at Aalto University:

  • A Steering Board meeting that was followed by a fruitful feedback session made by XTREME Advisory Committee members: Joaquim Jorge and Pille Pruulmann-Vengerfeldt.
  • Tours of Aalto’s facilities and thematic talks on mixed reality, spatial sound, and immersive experiences like a virtual sauna with haptic garments.

Acknowledgments:

A huge thank you to our hosts at FNOB and Aalto University for their hospitality: Miia Lallukka, Thomas de Mallet Burgess, Timo Tuovila from the Opera, as well as Mikko Sams, Robin W. and Agnes K. from Aalto University. XTREME support and facilitation: Sami Brandt and Justyna Starostka.

A big thank you to all partners for their contributions.

Photo credits: Christian Sivertsen.

See more pictures in the LinkedIn post.