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The Sound of Symmetry

The Big Questions Institute was excited to host an event that bridged the worlds of mathematics and music in a compelling and innovative way. On Wednesday, 28 August 2024, a select group of guests gathered for an evening that delved deep into the fascinating connections between these two fields.

The Sound of Symmetry featured a live performance by the contemporary music ensemble Topology, with compositions by the renowned Robert Davidson. This event was not just a concert but an exploration of how mathematical principles, particularly symmetry, influence and shape musical expression.

The evening was enriched by insights from two distinguished experts. Mathematician Artem Pulemotov presented on the principles of symmetry central to modern mathematics and physics, providing a unique perspective on how these concepts underpin our understanding of the world. Musicologist Denis Collins then demonstrated how these same principles of symmetry are reflected in musical compositions, offering a new way to appreciate the structure and beauty of music.

Hosted at our STEAMM Studios in Woolloongabba, this event exemplified the Big Questions Institute’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary exploration and innovation. While attendance was limited and by invitation only, we were proud to facilitate such an event that sparked deep thought and discussion among those fortunate enough to attend.

This event underscored our ongoing efforts to bring together leading minds to explore big questions across disciplines. While this particular event was not open to the public, it represented the kind of innovative programming that the Big Questions Institute is proud to support. We look forward to sharing more of these unique events with our broader community in the future.