Ada sketches
Ada's Song (world premiere)
Perpetual Motion (world premiere)
But then, what are these numbers? (world premiere)
Alter (world premiere)
An uncompromising musical tribute to a woman who united the worlds of 19th-century romanticism and cutting-edge science – Ada Lovelace: thinker, computer pioneer and enchantress of numbers.
In an unsympathetic age, Ada Lovelace explored far-reaching mathematical concepts and worked with Charles Babbage on his revolutionary Difference Engine, writing what is now recognised to be the world’s first computer programme. This afternoon-long event combines words and music to offer a post-millennial perspective on her legacy and achievement.
It’s devised by Emily Howard – whose own music explores the frontiers of scientific thought. As part of the Barbican’s year-long Life Rewired season, Britten Sinfonia perform specially commissioned, scientifically inspired music by Howard and her contemporaries plus music created by artificial intelligence written in tribute to Lovelace.
Download the programme notes here.
Part of Life Rewired: a season exploring what it means to be human when technology is changing everything.
New works by Emily Howard, Patricia Alessandrini, Shiva Feshareki and the PRiSM Team led by Robert Laidlow were commissioned by the Barbican.
Part of Barbican Presents.
"It was a chewy evening, offering much to think about but less in the way of musical reward - though it is to the credit of the excellent Britten Sinfonia that it was attempted at all."
Read More