Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated fundamental transformations in the relationships between audiences, venues, artists, and producers. In the midst of this crisis, live streaming became a lifeline for music performances. In response to the impossibility of live shows, public and private bodies acted in unison to create new digital offers to audiences – French institutions multiplied their support for musical tenfold. Yet, after two years of adaptation, mutation, and innovation, as the world escapes the paralyzing grip of the pandemic, it is unclear whether the new forms of performance will endure. Will digital avenues that emerged disappear in favor of traditional shows, will they endure and replace live performance through Metaverse shows, or will offline and virtual experiences become complementary? This paper will consider these challenging questions and offer insight on the future we can expect for musical performance. The author sustains that live streaming and the Metaverse, albeit essential tools, will not replace live music – as long as the live audience experience keeps improving.