Have you ever wondered what a single electron moving through the universe sounds like?

This month I am in conversation with Yale Quantum Institute Manager Florian Carle and sound artist Spencer Topel, currently finishing up his year as the YQI artist-in-residence. We discuss his projects over the past year, culminating in QUANTUM SOUND: A LIVE PERFORMANCE OF SUPERCONDUCTING INSTRUMENTS as a part of the International Festival of Arts and Ideas. With scientists Kyle Serniak and Luke Burkhart from the Yale Quantum Institute, Spencer Topel presents the first-ever music created from the measurements of the dynamics inside superconducting quantum devices, the precursors to quantum computers.

In the intimate space of New Haven’s premiere recording studio Firehouse 12, quantum systems performed by Spencer, Kyle, and Luke, will be played live throughout a one-hour set. The 40-minute musical set will be preceded by a 10-minute introduction to quantum physics giving the audience the key concepts to better understand the performance.

During this episode of Live Culture, we will explore the project in-depth, including an audio sneak peek of the quantum music before WPKN airs the performance LIVE on June 14th from 10-11 pm direct from the festival. This is a world premiere and we are delighted to be involved in presenting this project to the public.

Spencer is an award-winning sound, installation and performance artist. Renowned galleries and concert halls have hosted the presentation of his work globally, at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and The Arts Club of Chicago among other venues. This is his second appearance on Live Culture- the first, about his Iced Bodies project can be listened to as a podcast here.

More about the Spencer and the Yale Quantum Institute here.
More about The International Festival of Arts and Ideas here.