When art and science converge: The 2026 Bayerische Staatsoper Themed Concerts at Brainlab
Since 2024, the Bayerische Staatsoper have presented themed concerts in close collaboration with Brainlab. This year’s program unfolds within the context of the season motto “We are what we make ourselves to be,” the world premiere of the opera Of One Blood in May 2026, and the work of its composer, Brett Dean. Across three interdisciplinary evenings, scientific insight meets musical programs spanning from the English Renaissance to the present day.
1st Theme Concert: “Is our brain rational—and how free are our decisions, really?”
Friday, March 20, 2026, 7 PM
The opening evening explores how rational human behavior truly is and how free our decisions are. Neuropsychologist Lutz Jäncke offers insights into current findings in brain research. The musical program is performed by solo harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani and features keyboard music from the Tudor era alongside Brett Dean’s reflections on the English composer William Byrd.
2nd Theme Concert: “Between predetermination and choice—freedom in the age of artificial intelligence”
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 7 PM
On the second evening, Gitta Kutyniok, Chair of Mathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence at LMU Munich, examines the question of predetermination and choice from a scientific perspective, as well as the challenges of freedom and responsibility in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
The musical program bridges madrigals and vocal works from around 1600 with contemporary compositions for viola and voice by Brett Dean, performed by an international ensemble of soloists.
3rd Theme Concert: “A problem with Mary, or why does anyone do anything at all?”
Monday, March 23, 2026, 7 PM
The final evening addresses a fundamental question: why do people act at all? Literary and cultural scholar Jan Philipp Reemtsma approaches the topic from philosophical and societal perspectives.
Musically, the program spans from Robert Schumann’s settings of poems by Mary Stuart to song cycles by Brett Dean, reflecting on historical texts through a contemporary lens. The performance features a distinguished chamber music ensemble of the Bayerische Staatsoper with mezzo-soprano, string quartet and piano.
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