String theory in its many incarnations provides a theoretical framework to answer some of the deepest questions, often with surprising results. At the same time, it raises some disturbing new questions, making painfully clear how little we understand of our Universe.
The End of Space and Time concert was the closing event of the Strings2019 conference at Flagey, cellist Benjamin Glorieux and I crafted a unique performance inspired by the concept of ‘strings’ in all their forms.
Eager to explore this theme to its fullest, we expanded the ensemble by inviting pianists Anthony Romaniuk and Rembrandt Frerichs with his trio—bringing the total to around 464 strings—and five fellow cellists, contributing another 24 strings. While electronica wizard Jo Thielemans didn’t bring any strings, his electronic sounds added an additional texture to the performance.
The result was as multifaceted as a diamond, with the timeless music of J.S. Bach serving as a subtle thread throughout. Yet, the sounds that emerged were entirely fresh, as if sprinkled with stardust from the nearly 500 strings, brought to life through the performers’ creativity and the otherworldly acoustics of Studio 4.
13.08.2019: Studio 4 – Flagey, Brussels
Performers:
Cellists: Benjamin Glorieux, Liesemarie Beelaerts, Seraphine Stragier, Pieter Matthynssens, Pieter-Jan De Smet, Harmen Goossens
Anthony Romaniuk: piano
Jo Thielemans: electronics
The Rembrandt Frerichs trio: Piano, Double base, drums
Klaas Verpoest: live video