"Three Mathematical Diversions" Concerto to Premiere, Blending Music and Mathematics

A new saxophone concerto, titled "Three Mathematical Diversions," is set to premiere as part of the Australian Youth Orchestra's (AYO) Momentum Ensemble program. This groundbreaking work, inspired by pure mathematics, will be featured in the "Beautiful Equations" concert, a key component of the World Science Festival in Brisbane.

The concert aims to highlight the intrinsic intersections between music, mathematics, and science.

UK-based saxophonist Jonathan Radford will perform the premiere. The concerto is the result of a significant collaboration between Professor Yang‑Hui He, a renowned mathematician and physicist, and acclaimed British composer Cheryl Frances-Hoad.

Concerto Inspirations

The three distinct sections of "Three Mathematical Diversions" draw their creative energy from diverse mathematical concepts:

• The first section is based on the 13-sided Einstein tile, a remarkable newly discovered shape from 2023. This unique tile has the property of tiling endlessly without repetition, a fascinating geometric phenomenon.
• The second section delves into the intricate behavior of elliptic curves and prime numbers, with their visual representations influencing the music score directly.
• The final section takes its inspiration from Professor He's insightful lecture series, "The Search for the Theory of Everything," reflecting humanity's quest for a unifying theory for the universe.

Connections Between Music and Mathematics

The "Beautiful Equations" concert series is specifically designed to demonstrate the inherent connections between music and STEM fields.

Violinist Katherine Ma, 18, observes the fundamental mathematical nature of harmonics in string instruments, where notes are precisely created by dividing strings into equal lengths.

"Mathematics and music are 'universal languages'."

Professor Yang‑Hui He, who holds prestigious professorships at institutions including the London Institute and Oxford's Merton College, emphasizes this point. He highlights historical links, such as the ancient philosopher Pythagoras's theory of universal harmony, and more explicit modern connections, like John Cage's 4'33", whose duration is mathematically linked to absolute zero temperature.

Performance Details

The "Beautiful Equations" concert will also feature additional compelling works. These include Alex Baranowski's "Musica Universalis" and Philip Glass's "A Brief History of Time — Signature." Members of the Momentum Ensemble will further enrich the program with music from composers such as Stravinsky and Elena Kats-Chernin.

Audiences are encouraged to actively identify patterns and connections between sound, numbers, and the world around them during the performances.

The concerts are scheduled for March 26 and 27 at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in Brisbane, followed by a performance on March 28 at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.