Meny
In early October, ShareMusic & Performing Arts participated in an AI Day 2024 at the Science Park in Jönköping - an inspiring day that brought together researchers, companies and students to discuss how artificial intelligence can contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future. The theme of the day was ‘AI for a brighter future’, focusing on how AI can help solve societal challenges and create new opportunities for different industries, including the cultural sector.
Sophia Alexandersson, ShareMusic's Chief Executive and Artistic Director, joined Joel Mansour and Ewe Larsson from the ensemble Elefantöra to present the inspiring work of the MuseIT Project, a Horizon Europe initiative that integrates advanced technologies to enhance accessibility in cultural experiences.
As part of the program, a recorded improvisation demonstrated the potential of Somax2, an AI-based software developed by IRCAM’s Representations Musicales team. The software analyzes and generates music in real time, enabling dynamic musical collaborations. Combined with JackTrip, a tool for ultra-low-latency audio streaming, Somax2 facilitated seamless interaction between live and remote participants. The demonstration highlighted how AI can serve as a collaborative partner rather than a replacement for human creativity. Central to the performance was Ewe from Elefantöra, whose musical contributions guided the AI-driven interaction. Somax2 responded to Ewe’s input by generating sound material in real time, emphasizing the artist’s creativity. Joel Mansour also contributed to this improvisation, integrating his own technological tools into the mix.
The event was a success thanks to Mikhail Malt’s dedication to refining the system and Constantin Basica’s expertise in online performances, ensuring smooth connections. Additional contributions from Tatiana Catanzaro (Stanford PhD candidate), Patricia Alessandrini (MuseIT researcher), ShareMusic’s producer Jan Hansen, and conductor/researcher Hans Kretz, who coordinated the event and managed the JackTrip server, further enriched the project.
Ewe's contributions were pivotal, guiding the AI-driven interaction and allowing Somax2 to respond in real time. Ewe described the experience as transformative, stating:
- I thought the AI would work as a ‘call and response’, but it responded instantly and almost predicted what I would play. It gave me the freedom to improvise and really listen to what was going on around me, instead of just focusing on my own plan.
Ewe also highlighted how AI can be a valuable tool for musicians with disabilities who may not have the opportunity to travel and meet other musicians. With the help of AI, these musicians can still participate in creative collaborations and continue their musical expression remotely.
During the programme, Ewe played a piece where the audience became part of the work. The audience's murmurs were manipulated and reproduced in the soundscape, creating a unique and interactive experience.
‘It was amazing to see how the audience really understood what was happening with the sound,’ said Ewe.
ShareMusic’s contribution to AI Day demonstrated how culture and technology can intersect to foster inclusion and innovation. As the MuseIT Project progresses, these technologies promise to redefine collaborative artistic expression, emphasizing accessibility and creativity.
ShareMusic is part of the project MuseIT,which is co-funded by the European Union and runs from 2022-2025. MuseIT stands for "Multisensory, User-centred, Shared cultural Experiences through Interactive Technologies." ShareMusic's role in the MuseIT project focuses on the part that concerns cultural co-creation, and we are working, among other things, on the development of a "Remote Performance Platform" that will enable musical co-creation at a distance. We are involved in other parts of the project, not least in creating an accessible archive of cultural assets.
In total, twelve partners from nine EU countries and three non-EU associated partners are involved in the project. The project coordinator is the University of Borås. All project partners are part of so-called work packages that have different focus areas.
ShareMusic organises a number of activities during the project, where different features and technical developments are explored in co-creative settings. Activities are often arranged together with other project partners.
ShareMusic is part of the project MuseIT,which is co-funded by the European Union and runs from 2022-2025. MuseIT stands for "Multisensory, User-centred, Shared cultural Experiences through Interactive Technologies." ShareMusic's role in the MuseIT project focuses on the part that concerns cultural co-creation, and we are working, among other things, on the development of a "Remote Performance Platform" that will enable musical co-creation at a distance. We are involved in other parts of the project, not least in creating an accessible archive of cultural assets.
In total, twelve partners from nine EU countries and three non-EU associated partners are involved in the project. The project coordinator is the University of Borås. All project partners are part of so-called work packages that have different focus areas.
ShareMusic organises a number of activities during the project, where different features and technical developments are explored in co-creative settings. Activities are often arranged together with other project partners.
