“Science and music collide in ‘Black Hole Symphony’ at the Museum of Science”
— Karen Campbell, Boston Globe

BLACK HOLE SYMPHONY is an immersive production from the Museum of Science, Boston and Multiverse Concert Series by composer David Ibbett. Audiences embark on a symphonic journey through spacetime, performed by a live orchestra accompanied by stunning, immersive visuals. This revolutionary show is a unique collaboration between astrophysicists of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian and Black Hole Initiative, and the animators of the Museum of Science, Boston.

  • The Black Hole Symphony has a duration of c.42 minutes in 5 movements. 

  • Cutting edge data from astrophysics sonified into music

  • The show has reached over 5,000 audience members in 30+ performances with full symphony and chamber-electronics versions

  • Versions for symphony or chamber orchestra, flatscreen or dome visuals

Trailers

View the Full Production
“In its dedication to the new and unknown, Black Hole Symphony inspires as much as it informs.”
— New Scientist, Bethan Ackerly

Composer David Ibbett is represented by Encore Artists Management.

Testimonials

Lisa Kewley, Director, Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian

“Black Hole Symphony is a powerful example of what happens when cutting‑edge astrophysics is translated into art. The sonification of real black hole data, paired with immersive visuals and live performance, invites audiences to feel the science in a completely new way. By transforming complex astrophysical data into sound, it also opens up the universe to people who are blind or visually impaired, ensuring they can experience—and truly ‘see’—these cosmic phenomena. As an astrophysicist, I’m inspired by how it transforms our current understanding of black holes into a new medium; as a director, I’m excited by its ability to reach people of all ages and backgrounds and spark genuine curiosity about the universe”

Maestro Jeffrey Dokken, Rome Symphony

“Working with composer David Ibbett on Black Hole Symphony was an absolute delight. The composition itself is remarkable— musically accessible and engaging, melodically, harmonically, and rhythmically intricate, rocking and energizing, and deeply beautiful—and then you remember that it is rooted in actual groundbreaking science, and your mind is completely blown. The music is simply extraordinary. Ibbett’s ability to blend science and music is second to none, and the overall experience he and his team have created—with narration, educational elements, a spectacular soprano solo as part of the symphony, and stunning visuals—made the concert unforgettable to be part of. It was a tremendous honor to conduct the full symphony premiere, and I have no doubt that this work is destined for a long and impactful life. To top it all off, David is a wonderful collaborator and an even better person”

Shep Doeleman, Founding Director Event Horizon Telescope

“David Ibbett’s Black Hole Symphony is a wonderful celebration of humanity’s quest to understand the Cosmos and our connections to its deepest mysteries.  Black holes embody all that we do not know about the Universe, and David's work takes us on a grand orchestral tour, from the innermost singularity where all physical laws break down, through the mad rush of material drawn inwards by the immense gravity, out to the circling clouds that signal the presence of a hidden giant.  More than this, he gets the highest marks for accurately conveying details of the science and twisted spacetime of black holes – his engaging and inspiring score makes masterful use of the natural connections between astronomy and music.  It has been a privilege and thrill to participate with David on Black Hole Symphony performances, and I eagerly await the projects he turns to next.”

Maestro Tian Hui Ng, New England Philharmonic

"David Ibbett brings the symphonic world into dialogue with the most exciting developments in the scientific world. Our audiences have been dazzled, transported, and have fallen in love with music in a whole new way”

Deanna Hoying, Orchestral Manager Symphony New Hampshire

"Symphony New Hampshire’s partnership with the Multiverse Concert Series opened new pathways to audiences we might not otherwise reach. By blending orchestral performance with immersive, cross-disciplinary experiences, we engage curious listeners in fresh and unexpected ways—reinforcing our commitment to innovation, accessibility, and the evolving role of the orchestra today"

“Bringing the science of the universe to everyday listeners through music.”
— GBH News
“Science and music illuminated the wonders of the larger cosmos within that seemingly microcosmic dome”
— Stephanie Oestereich, Boston Music Intelligencer

Images from the Rome Symphony of Georgia, 2025

Read the Cosmic Traveler’s Guide:
the show accompanying booklet on the rich science of black holes and how this data is woven into music

Images from our 2023 Tour to the National Academy of Sciences, DC

Photos © Bruce Guthrie

Black Hole Symphony Feature on GBH News with
Jim Braude and Margery Eagan

(music starts at 2h 15 min)

Clips from the Score

Images from the Visuals and Premiere Performance

Photos by Rajarajan Palanimurugan

 
 

The Black Hole Symphony Team

Produced By
Museum of Science, Boston
Multiverse Concert Series

Science
Anna Barnacka, Lead Scientist, Harvard CFA
Mojegan Azadi, Harvard CFA
Martin Elvis, Harvard CFA
Peter Galison, Harvard University
Fabio Pacucci, Black Hole Initiative
Priya Natarajan, Yale, Black Hole Initiative
Dan Schwartz, Harvard CFA

Animation
The Museum of Science, Boston

Music
David Ibbett, composer, conductor

The Multiverse Symphony Players:
Agnes Coakley - soprano
Johnny Mok - cello
Matt Russo - guitar
Ryan Shannon - violin
Jessica Smith - flute/piccolo