Read on to discover how music can help us to understand the future of science, as shown in the new Lim Cosmic Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra....
Music... a unique ability to simplify complicated scientific concepts
Music has a unique ability to simplify complex scientific ideas, making them more accessible and engaging. In this spirit, Lim Cosmic Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra emerges as a groundbreaking exploration of the intersection between music and science, inviting audiences to ponder the future.
This 50-minute orchestral work, composed by Manu Martin and inspired by a story created by Susan Lim and Christina Teenz Tan, unfolds against a backdrop of cosmic exploration. It highlights themes of curiosity, adaptation and resilience, imagining a collaborative journey between humans and AI in space, seeking solutions to Earth’s environmental crises.
A universal language in a world of rapid technological advancement
The inspiration for using music as a medium arises from the urgent need to communicate complex scientific ideas in an engaging and relatable manner. As we navigate an increasingly complex world marked by rapid technological advancements and environmental challenges, music provides a universal language that transcends barriers. It allows us to convey emotions and ideas that might otherwise seem daunting. The new work's exploration of concepts like Hachimoji DNA and the expanded genetic code ATGC-SBPZ, invented by Steven Benner, illustrates how music can merge with scientific innovation, adding depth to this narrative.
In 2020, amid the upheaval caused by the global pandemic and the raging wildfires on both sides of the equator, hope emerged from chaos and catastrophe. The historic return of NASA astronauts aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon, after nearly a decade, reignited our collective imagination. This moment inspired our song, 'Is Anybody Out There' which became a precursor to a broader vision, the Lim Cosmic Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra, recorded at Abbey Road Studios with the acclaimed pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Robert Ziegler, London Voices, and solo voice Killian Donnelly.
Climate change, alien tribes and cosmic dust
The composition serves as a narrative of climate change and humanity’s quest for solutions beyond our planet. It envisions a future where we explore cosmic resources, encounter ancient alien tribes, and harness the power of cosmic dust to restore Earth's atmosphere. With elements like a space elevator and a floating lab, the story uses Craig Venter’s original concept of ‘biological teleportation’, as a futuristic theme to transport life codes from Earth to the cosmos.
It embodies suspense, drama, and romance while grounded in real scientific advancements. The work reflects the possibility of 'humanimates' — human-AI hybrids with an expanded genetic code —showcasing our evolving relationship with technology. This narrative encourages a shift in perception, moving away from dystopian views of AI towards a more symbiotic partnership.
The importance of AI... and a less fearful outlook
As we advance into an era where AI and humans collaborate, the implications for various professions, including medicine, are profound. A future where AI is integral to diagnosis could redefine our understanding of expertise. Science fiction serves not just as a prediction of the future, but as a reflection on what it means to be human in an ever-evolving world.
In this piece, our AI partner, a soft plush ALAN, embodies a different narrative of AI — one that emphasizes companionship rather than conflict. This reimagining invites audiences to consider the possibilities of technology as a force for good.
With advancements in synthetic biology, we can now digitize DNA sequences and potentially recreate life forms that include expanded genetic codes, exploring what life may look like beyond Earth. This revolutionary concept opens doors to a future where we might recreate alien life or even enhance our own.
A range of traditional instruments to symbolise cosmic wonder
The composition draws from classical elements and modern genres, using various musical techniques and instruments to reflect the narrative’s themes and emotions. The theremin, played by Lydia Kavina, produces ethereal sounds that evoke a sense of weightlessness and cosmic wonder, beautifully immersing us in the vastness of space. Meanwhile, the emotive duduk, played by Dirk Campbell, resonates with a deep, soulful timbre that captures a profound sense of belonging and introspection, inviting us to reflect on whether we are alone in the cosmos.
The shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese flute played by Andrew Findon, creates the sounds of an ancient space tribe, lost in the cosmos. Orchestral elements craft a rich soundscape mirroring the grandeur of space and the intricacies of scientific discovery. The music features dynamic orchestration, diverse instrumentation, recurring motifs, and innovative soundscapes, symbolising the blending of human and synthetic life.Can music help us understand the future of science? A new rhapsody explores the possibilities.
A vital intersection of art and science
As we stand on the brink of significant scientific innovation, the intersection of art and science becomes vital. This rhapsody showcases how music can inspire and educate, serving as a vehicle for hope in challenging times.
Ultimately, Lim Cosmic Rhapsody invites us to envision a brighter tomorrow, where human ingenuity and creativity lead to solutions for our most pressing challenges. Together, we journey through the cosmos, exploring the potential of companionship and collaboration, as we reimagine our future among the stars.
Lim Cosmic Rhapsody premieres at the Barbican with the RPO and Jean-Yves Thibaudet on 5 May 2025. Decca Classics releases the album on 2 May.
Dr. Susan Lim is a pioneering transplant surgeon and advocate for cutting-edge robotics who co-created the Cosmic Rhapsody project with Harvard neurology doctor Christina Teenz Tan and composer Manu Martin.