HarrisonParrott, the music management company, has today unveiled an online platform for hosting classical performances.

Called Virtual Circle, it aims to offer a ‘concert look and feel’, so much so that, unlike many digital concert platforms, the performance will only be available to watch live (or, if a delayed broadcast, for the length of the concert), and not available for catch-up or archive viewing. It will give artists opportunities to interact with audiences, allow them to host workshops, masterclasses and interviews, and offer a range of ticketing options as well as in-platform promotional and commercial opportunities such as album sales and virtual CD signings.

The service, which is produced in partnership with eMusic Live, will launch on December 8 with a concert by the Oslo Philharmonic marking the 155th anniversary of the birth of Sibelius – featuring the composer’s first Symphony – conducted by the Orchestra’s Chief Conductor and Artistic Director, Klaus Mäkelä; tickets are priced at £7/€7.75/$9.21. Future planned concerts will come from artists including pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard (December 17), the Manchester Camerata and Echo Collective.

Jasper Parrott, co-founder and Executive Chairman of HarrisonParrott, said: ‘During these challenging times, we have learnt so much about how to make the most of the difficulties and changes that have been forced upon us by COVID. We are therefore all very excited about the launch of Virtual Circle which is part of a long-term strategic vision to build a digital platform for our artists, for labels, and for our partners in the wider arts world which will present and monetise the best in the digital content.’