AI orchestra paves way for future of music

An artificial intelligence orchestra founded by the Tianjin Conservatory of Music will perform at the upcoming fifth World Intelligence Congress scheduled for May 20 to 23 in Tianjin.

The orchestra is composed of 30 human musicians and six robots, including one robot that serves as conductor, according to Zhu Jingbai, a professor in the modern music department at the conservatory and the founder of the orchestra.

"The robots, in particular the conductor, relieve my burden in music creation and performance," Zhu said.

The orchestra will present 13 works at the event. Some of the performances are collaborations with musicians online.

Zhu said he not only expects to present the technological achievements of AI music and the musical skills of students but also hopes that students will start up businesses in state-of-the-art AI music.

Currently, Zhu is leading a team of students at the school's startup center to help them create more opportunities in their future careers riding the tide of AI music.

The video — Intelligence and Future — was made during a rehearsal for the first performance.

[Video: Zhu Jingbai and Hou Yudan/For chinadaily.com.cn]