A cosmic concert by KV 265 Science & Symphony Films, the HEM and CERN
On 31 March 2026, join us at CERN for a galactic journey where science meets music. Young pianists from the Haute école de musique de Genève - Neuchâtel (HEM) will be playing pieces from inspirational composers, with stunning scientific films of subatomic particles, the solar system and the Universe as a background, produced by Emmy-nominated astronomer and filmmaker José Francisco Salgado.
This event will be co-created by CERN, the HEM and KV 265, a non-profit organisation whose mission is the communication of science through music and the visual arts. They achieve this by coordinating live performances of classical works accompanied by high-definition and acclaimed scientific films specially created for the pieces being performed. KV 265 works with world-leading orchestras and science centres, communicating the beauty of science through music, and their films have reached 500,000 people in 275 concerts and 135 talks.
The evening will consist of a voyage to three destinations, moving from the infinitesimally small to the infinitely large. The first part of the journey is a short film on the theme of particle physics, and the building blocks of matter which make up everything around us.
From there, we will begin an exploration of the solar system accompanied by Gustav Holst’s The Planets, including awe-inspiring images from the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, as well as historical illustrations and science animations created by the film’s director.
Lastly, we will explore the Milky Way and other galaxies thanks to an innovative film of KV-265, The Universe at an Exhibition, that was recognised by UNESCO and the International Astronomical Union for its educational value. The film, accompanied by Modest Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, will take viewers through a virtual gallery featuring beautiful images that resemble works of art, and science visualisations of the cosmos.
Joins us at CERN Science Gateway for this unique performance, in the presence of producer José Francisco Salgado, who will be sharing key insights about his work at the crossroads of art and science.
Practical information

• Time: doors opening at 19.30, event starts at 20.00.
• Location: CERN Science Gateway, Auditorium Sergio Marchionne
• Language: English
• Age recommendation: as of 8 y.o.
• Registration: Free of charge, recommended registration opening on 4 March 2026.
• Refreshments