Experience the Magic of The Black Hole Symphony at Wits Linder Auditorium
0
0
0
0
Johannesburg is about to host something extraordinary. From 27 to 29 November 2025, the Wits Linder Auditorium will transform into a cosmic concert hall for The Black Hole Symphony — a collaboration between Universe on Stage and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.
This immersive production combines live symphonic music, science, and storytelling in a way that few shows ever attempt. Conducted by Daniel Boico, who has worked with the New York Philharmonic, the performance explores one of the universe’s greatest enigmas: the black hole.
It’s also a milestone moment. The show marks Universe on Stage’s third anniversary and their final Johannesburg performance for 2025. Founded by actuary and composer Yasheen Modi and physicist Dr Luca Pontiggia, the group is known for turning complex science into something visually and emotionally striking. This time, they’ve taken things further — building an entire symphony around the birth, life, and mystery of a black hole.
Performed by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra with Yasheen on piano, The Black Hole Symphony unfolds across six movements that blend music, narration, and visuals. Dr Pontiggia weaves short stories between each piece, guiding the audience through the science and poetry of space, while the orchestra brings those ideas to life through sound.
Expect a mix of familiar and original works, including Yin Yang, Ligo, Telescope, Pre-Einstein, Sad Love, Birth of a Star, and an orchestral remix of Beethoven’s Für Elise. Every note has been arranged to highlight different sections of the orchestra — ten first violins, eight second violins, six violas, five cellos, and three double basses — each taking turns to lead as the story unfolds.
What began as a small experimental project has grown into an eighteen-piece symphonic journey made possible through persistence and collaboration. After cold-emailing the JPO and connecting with Boico online, the team built a production that blends science, imagination, and artistry in equal measure.
Dr Samson Diamond from the JPO describes it as “an inspiring celebration of artistic innovation and shared passion” — and it’s hard to disagree. Universe on Stage has already earned a reputation for merging education and emotion, showing that science can be as moving as any piece of music.
The Black Hole Symphony runs for three performances only — 27 November (7:30 pm) and 29 November (2 pm and 7 pm) — at the Wits Linder Auditorium. The show lasts two hours with a 20-minute interval, and tickets are available through Webtickets.
If you’ve ever wondered what the universe might sound like, this is your chance to find out.
