Art & Science
Art & Science with Elsa Schönwiese & the Complexity Orchestra
A magical night of music at the Complexity Science Hub.
Last night, CSH’s walls resonated with a truly special symphony. Under the banner of Art & Science, CSH hosted its first concert featuring the Complexity Orchestra, led by conductor and physicist Elsa Schönwiese, currently based in London. Amid the ensemble, CSH President Stefan Thurner who added his melodic touch with the clarinet.
The Complexity Orchestra, comprising 30 musicians of diverse backgrounds and ages, gathered under the title “No Woman No Symphony” to spotlight compositions by women. The program included Louise Farrenc’s bold Symphony No. 3 in G minor and the premiere of Missy Mazzoli’s “You know me from here,” a piece that traces journeys and transcends boundaries. This performance served as a platform to celebrate the works of two women who dared to break norms and claim their space in the world of symphonic music.
The courtyard of Palais Strozzi was filled with a diverse audience of scientists, artists, and music enthusiasts anticipating the fusion of art and science.
Elsa Schönwiese - the conductor
Elsa Schönwiese (*2000 in Vienna) is a physicist and musician currently based in London. Balancing her dual passions, she is pursuing her master’s in physics at the King’s College London while also training as a conductor at the London Conducting Academy.
Elsa’s academic journey began with an undergraduate degree at TU Vienna. She undertook several academic residencies, including the ITÜ Istanbul, the CREF (Centro Ricerche Enrico Fermi) in Rome and now an internship at the Complexity Science Hub where she focuses on assessing climate risks in Ecuador.
This program is supported by the City of Vienna Culture (MA 7)