'It's transformative': Science meets art in 'The Black Hole Symphony' in Joburg

Science-entertainment company Universe on Stage is collaborating with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) to present an immersive experience in Joburg this November.

The Black Hole Symphony will be on for a limited run of just three performances.

The show turns cosmic phenomena into epic, cinematic storytelling, says the JPO -- blending live music, science, and big-screen visuals to make the universe feel breathtakingly real.

This is made possible through Universe on Stage's combination of the unique set of skills delivered by a physicist and an actuary who is also a pianist-composer.

Co-founder Luca Pontiggia, who has a PhD in Physics, explains how this inspired collaboration with composer Yasheen 'Yash Modi came about.

The two worked together on the winning entry for a competition at Discovery where they both work - Luca as a data scientist and Yash as head of marketing.

Up till then, Pontiggia had been trying to discovera way to bring emotion into the scientific talks he gave as a physicist.

He'd trialled using background music on YouTube, when his sister came up with the idea of having a pianist actually playing while he did the speaking part.

On meeting Modi, this idea came to fruition and has grown in scale ever since they founded their company.

"But the premise remains - take science, take art in the form of music and visuals, bring it together and tell a story about our existence in this universe that makes us feel connected both to ourselves and to the world around us."

Pontiggia says they've had reports of people being transformed by attending one of their shows.

The 'phenomenal' music is a feature that stands out for audiences, and for Pontiggia himself.

'People feel emotional, and say they've never enjoyed science as much as they do now', he reports. Parents have also shared how kids have felt inspired post-performance to start learning the piano, to start reading and to basically engage with the world in a way they hadn't done before.

"At the end of the day, I think it's that people feel that sense of 'I want to be more curious, I want to try something different'. They feel transformed."

The Black Hole Symphony has Modi performing an all-new six-movement symphonic suite inspired by the mysteries of black holes, guided by Pontiggia's
captivating stories and cinematic visuals.

Performances take place at the Wits Linder Auditorium with two on 27 November and the final show on 29 November.

Tickets are sure to sell out fast - jump in and book yours at Webtickets.

To listen to Luca Pontiggia in conversation with Gugs Mhlungu on 702's Weekend Breakfast, click on the audio link below: