‘By looking down,
I see upward.
By looking up,
I see downward’ - Tycho Brahe
Cosmic rays are produced deep in the universe. Millions shower Earth every second, in a random way currently beyond human comprehension. Subatomic particles are passing through you at this very moment…blasted from supernovae and other astrophysical phenomena far beyond our galaxy. This has happened throughout the history of the solar system.
By learning about them, we can learn about our origins.
| Release | Specifications / Orchestration | Commissioner |
| 2021 | Cosmic Ray Detector, Code, LED, Piano, Drums, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass Clarinet, Clarinet, Flute, Alto Flute, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Voice | Britten Pears Arts |
Composer Christo Squier and experimental particle physicist Dr. Teppei Katori
are joined by a chamber orchestra to explore the subatomic world via composition, sonification, projection and performance.
Some pieces are built using pre-recorded scientific data as inspiration, others embrace entropy and improvisation by using local cosmic ray detectors, a live feed from Super-Kamiokande observatory in Japan and/or a live feed from the Particle Shrine installation.
Part experiment, part lecture, part suite of new music, Subatomic holds a curious musical lens over a hidden yet vital part of our world. A duet, of sorts, between musicians and the cosmos.
Subatomic was developed during a Britten Pears Arts artist residency, and premiered as part of Festival of New. There were sell out performances at Snape Maltings concert hall (2021) and Science Gallery London (2022). The project continues to develop, with an accompanying live album and new iterations of the performance scheduled for 2025.
Credits
Concept developed by Christo Squier, Chris Ball and Dr. Teppei Katori
Composed, produced and directed by Christo Squier
Ensemble
Charly Jolly - bass clarinet, clarinet
Christo Squier - guitar, tenor sax, flute, synths
Fiona Fey - piano, voice
Jin Theriault - baritone sax, alto sax, violin, alto flute
Laura Hussey - viola
Laurie Taylor - violin
Lily Rayner - cello
Riccardo Castellani - drums
Dr. Teppei Katori - trombone
Creative Team
Christo Squier - creative direction, production, composition
Chris Ball - creative coding, building and hacking devices
Dr. Teppei Katori - science advisor
Daniel Ross - visualisations
Peter Story - animations
Alex Ferguson - production
Developed in partnership with King's College London Cultural Programme
in the faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences.
