"Virtual Abbey" (2001)

Original Music and Performance

This performance took place in New York and

recorded live in concert at The Kitchen, New York City --and simultaneously at Thoronet Abbey, France-- November 10 and 11th, 1995. This recording presents the world premiere of the Virtual Abbey, developed at The Kitchen Theater by John Plenge, David Hykes and John Hobbs. The live sound of the concert in New York was digitally encoded and sent into Le Thoronet Abbey in Provence, France over ISDN telephone lines, played back live through a sound system in the extraordinary Abbey acoustics, then the Abbey reverb and ambience was re-encoded and sent back to The Kitchen, placing the musicians and audeince members "here" within the Virtual Abbey. The recording captures the live performance from the Kitchen Theater mixed with the beautiful acoustics of the Thoronet Abbey.

Director-David Hykes

john@tonefactory.com