Robert Henke: FIRST LIGHT

In astronomy, first light marks the moment a telescope opens its eye to the cosmos for the very first time. It’s a promise, a glimpse of wonders to come. Potentially revealing more than its makers ever imagined, reaching farther than they’d dare hope.

Here, sound and laser graphics converge on stage. Using a software created specifically for this piece, laser projections transmit evolving, fragmentary shapes and sounds in dialogue. Like its astronomical counterpart, the interplay of precision and predictability with uncertainty and curiosity forms the conceptual cornerstone of the work.

Part-artist, part-scientist, he’s a leading figure in electronic music. As Monolake, he blurs the lines between ambient, club and electronic textures; and as co-creator of Ableton Live, he’s transformed music production.








Commissioned and produced by the Barbican.

This performance will contain lasers, haze and strobe