Sven Helbig in Concert: A Captivating Celebration of Music and Innovation
On May 14, 2023, John Cabot University and the Institute of Future and Innovation Studies presented a concert featuring renowned German composer and musician Sven Helbig. The event, which was the culmination of JCU’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, took place in the magnificent setting at the Accademia dei Lincei, Italy’s National Academy of Sciences, located next door to JCU’s Guarini Campus.
Internationally celebrated composer Helbig enthralled the audience with his distinctive fusion of classical, experimental, and electronic music in a striking display of artistic brilliance and technological ingenuity. Helbig took the stage with the Vokalensemble ANIMATO choir under the direction of Wilhelm Keitel, enthralling the audience with his highly regarded composition, “I Eat the Sun and Drink the Rain.” The auditorium was at full capacity with 130 invited guests and over 200 on a waiting list.
Helbig’s composition demonstrated his extraordinary ability to seamlessly meld various musical genres, push the boundaries of musical expression, and elicit a wide range of emotions in listeners.
It was a great honor for John Cabot University to host such a talented individual. Helbig’s ability to captivate and inspire through his innovative compositions has garnered global acclaim.
Prior to the concert, there was a stimulating conversation in collaboration with The Goethe Institute in Rome titled “The Future of Music in the Age of Technology, Art and the Posthuman,” featuring John Cabot University Professor Stefan Lorenz Sorgner and Sven Helbig. It was a one-of-a-kind discussion aimed at delving into the world of AI and technological innovation and their function in artistic creation.
The discussion that concluded the two-day conference hosted by JCU titled “Technology, Art and the Posthuman” provided a platform for artists, musicians, and enthusiasts to converge and engage in meaningful discourse about the evolving landscape of technological innovation and its relationship with humanities and the arts. It served as an opportunity to reflect upon how technology and the concept of the posthuman shape the future of musical expression and all other artistic endeavors.
The events hosted by Helbig were more than just talks and performances; they were a chance to see creativity and innovation combined. The seamless fusion of traditional orchestral elements with cutting-edge technologies demonstrated music’s ability to transcend boundaries and transform audiences.
John Cabot University and the Institute of Future and Innovation Studies take pride in fostering an environment where creative minds come together, harmonizing artistic exploration, technological advancements, and intellectual reflections.
We extend our appreciation to the dedicated staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth execution of this event. A special thank you goes to Jacqueline Maggi, Azelya Terzi, Jan-Michael Putter, and Professor Stefan Lorenz Sorgner for their pivotal roles in organizing the concert.
