The Sound of Discovery

The Ossian Ensemble collaborating with students from the Queen Mary University of London

An innovative and magical evening of music and immersive theatre, taking the audience on a mysterious and engaging journey of discovery.  Be prepared to hear the sounds of whales, voyage into space and even meet Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in this exploration of scientific endeavour, moving through the extraordinary spaces of Queen Mary University of London – a truly unique experience.

The performance begins in The People’s Palace Great Hall and gradually moves to The Octagon. Please note that there is limited disabled access. If you do have any specific access requirements, please do contact us.

The programme includes modern masterworks by Olivier Messiaen, Iannis Xenakis and George Crumb as well as works by leading younger British composers, some created especially for this singular event, which is devised and curated by Ossian Artistic Director Neil Georgeson, and composer Darren Bloom.

The Ossian Ensemble is a virtuoso new-music group with players drawn from the LSO, LPO and Academy of St Martin in the Fields; they have worked with many of today’s leading UK composers including Thomas Adès, Jonathan Harvey and their honorary patron Sir Maxwell Davies, and have premiered hundreds of works by emerging composers.  Recent performances include Pierrot Lunaire at the Linbury Studio, a highlight-feature in the Sounds New Festival, and representing the UK at the International Composers’ Pyramid.

This concert is funded by Queen Mary University of London Centre for Public Engagement.

Please note that parts of the performance may be filmed.

Image: Ossian Ensemble by Jennifer Knight