Alchemy – World Première
Chemistry Becomes Sound as Molecules Take the Stage
In 2022, Art of Molecule presented the world première of Alchemy at Gare du Nord in Basel — a melodrama/opera with a libretto by Nobel Laureate in Chemistry Roald Hoffmann and music by Austrian composer Oliver Peter Graber. At the heart of Alchemy lies transformation: of matter, of ideas and of the human ambition to change the world.
The work follows an ambitious young chemist, a futuristic painter and an experienced maker of molecules. All three seek to shape the future, while a supercomputer watches over humanity — and is itself transformed in the process. Scientific data become part of the musical composition. Chemical structures are translated into sound, while strings, piano and electronics create an “orchestra of atoms.”
Performed by an international ensemble featuring mezzo-soprano Stephanie McGuire, the Basel-based acting company Prinz Ip, and composer Oliver Peter Graber on piano and electronics, the world première was followed by a conversation between the artists, scientists and audience. Alchemy created a space where chemistry, music, literature and philosophy could meet — not to illustrate science, but to explore together what it means to transform matter, knowledge and the world.
Matter changes. Science creates. It's all about Art.
The work follows an ambitious young chemist, a futuristic painter and an experienced maker of molecules. All three seek to shape the future, while a supercomputer watches over humanity — and is itself transformed in the process. Scientific data become part of the musical composition. Chemical structures are translated into sound, while strings, piano and electronics create an “orchestra of atoms.”
Performed by an international ensemble featuring mezzo-soprano Stephanie McGuire, the Basel-based acting company Prinz Ip, and composer Oliver Peter Graber on piano and electronics, the world première was followed by a conversation between the artists, scientists and audience. Alchemy created a space where chemistry, music, literature and philosophy could meet — not to illustrate science, but to explore together what it means to transform matter, knowledge and the world.
Matter changes. Science creates. It's all about Art.
A Night to Remember
The world premiere of Alchemy in Switzerland — bringing together scientists, artists, performers, and audiences for an evening at the intersection of chemistry, music, and theatre.
The world premiere of Alchemy in Switzerland — bringing together scientists, artists, performers, and audiences for an evening at the intersection of chemistry, music, and theatre.