Basic research on the effect of distance between performers on ensemble performance

Due to the spread of COVID-19, the performers on stage were required to keep a certain distance among them. Because it was considered that the droplets come from performers rise a risk of infection with COVID-19 when they performed musical instruments. A distance of at least 2 m between wind instrument performers, and 1.5 m between string instrument performers was recommended. However, with these distances, the performers found it difficult to perform. Actually, in previous studies, it has been suggested that difficulties in listening to their performance can occur. However, the specific causes of these problems have not yet been clarified. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to clarify the effects of differences in distance between performers on acoustical properties and auditory perception by focusing on performers in an ensemble. In particular, targeting a group of five performers arranged in a semi-elliptical shape, the various acoustic physical quantities, and conducting subjective evaluation experiments were performed. As a result, it was found that changes in the distance between performers affect the acoustic properties and the auditory perception. This knowledge will contribute to creating a comfortable environment for performers.