TSO x TasPlates: Partnership delivers digital shift for orchestra

The TSO has made the switch to iPads for music scores, thanks to the generosity of custom numberplate provider TasPlates.

It is believed the TSO is the first full symphony orchestra in the Southern Hemisphere to go digital for music scores.

The partnership with TasPlates means that every TSO musician now has an iPad for orchestra repertoire, allowing them to read, annotate and collaborate on music scores digitally.

The musicians use foot pedals to move between pages, making for a seamless concert experience.

In rehearsals, musical notations, such as bowing instructions for the string section, can be shared across the entire orchestra quickly and easily in real time.

TSO musician Matthew Goddard says there is much to love about using iPads in place of sheet music.

‘I love using iPads for music. You don't get crumpled pieces of paper, it’s really easy to mark things up and it's easy to rub out. You don't have to sharpen your pencil. There's so much to love!’ Matt says.

In his role of Principal Timpani with the TSO, Matt appreciates the freedom that the iPads provide, especially when the orchestra is playing in low-light settings such as with the Obscura at the Odeon series.

‘It really works in a series like Obscura when the stage is quite dark and there are changes in lighting. It means that you can see your music without there having to be a big light above you,’ he says.

TasPlates Chief Executive Officer David McGrath (pictured above with TSO musicians (from left to right) Anna Larsen Roach, Lucy Carrig-Jones and David Robins) describes the partnership with the TSO as 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,’ David says.

‘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.’

David and his TasPlates team recently came behind the scenes to see the iPads in action during a TSO rehearsal.

‘It's fascinating what technology allows the musicians to do now. And you can even watch the way that they can make live changes to the score, you can see them using the foot pedals. The ability to keep your hands on the instruments, means that, in a really simple way, players can play faster, they could play for longer,’ David says.