Variational Quantum Harmonies
Description: The Variational Quantum Harmonizer (VQH) is a musical interface resulted from research being developed at DESY, in collaboration with the University of Plymouth, Pompeu Fabra University and The Cyprus Institute. It is a tool for the sonification of quantum algorithms, providing auditory insight on how quantum computers are being used for simulating physical systems, solving optimization problems and more.
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This concert – presented with the QUEST Open Day in partnership with Moth Quantum – features pieces that are being created using the VQH as a music composition tool, in collaboration with composer-researchers involved in quantum computer music research. These works show the versatility of hybrid digital-quantum musical instruments to provide new ways of making music, while reflecting on both technical and aesthetic aspects of state-of-the-art quantum technologies.
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Programme:
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Hexagonal Chambers – by Cephas Teom and Itabora Puy (2023-24; dur: 12 min)
for VQH and ZenQ
Performed by Cephas Teom and Itabora Puy
In Jorge Luis Borges’s short story “The Library Of Babel”, the author explores the universe through the metaphor of a vast library. Comprised of a warren of hexagonal rooms, its catalog spans every possible permutation of language in a virtually infinite collection of incomprehensible texts. Within this sea of chaos are the Vindications: books to absolve humanity of its sins, granting unity with God. And yet, due to the scale of the library, the search for these works is considered futile.
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Being librarians in the realm of quantum technologies ourselves, we are navigating the infinite quantum library space for vindications, by using the optimization process of variational quantum algorithms.
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Backflip – by OCH (2024; dur: 8 min)
for Saxophone and VQH
Performed by OCH
Backflip is the most recent work by OCH for saxophone and live electronics. It is a reflection of his quickly shifting improvisational lines with new variational quantum harmonic rhythms.
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Tragouin tou Diheni (Polymeric 1) – by Spyros Kallivokas (2024; dur: 5 min)
for VQH and Bouzouki
Performed by Andreas Athenodorou
The minimization of the energy is crucial in physics, both classical and quantum. Death is literally and metaphorically the minimization of the energy. This piece uses a folk narrative text about Dihenis fighting Death – a legend existing since the 9th century A.C.
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The work is presented in a Polymeric composition: combining acoustic music (traditional lute or bouzouki), fixed electronic music (from quantum algorithms), text (folk song) and 3D fixed projections.
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The Veil – by Eren Utku (2024; dur: 10 min)
for VQH and Live Electronics
Performed by Itabora Puy
“The Veil” is inspired by a poem by Omar Khayyam, mentioning a veil covering the eternal secrets of existence. In everyday life we act as if it does not exist, choosing to forget. The piece attempts to create a sonic environment reminding us of the veil and the self-transcendent nature of human existence.
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Holy Writ – by Cephas Teom and Itabora Puy (2024; dur: 10 min)
for VQH and ZenQ
Performed by Cephas Teom and Itabora Puy
Continuing our journey through Borges’s fictional universe, we reach the “Book of Sand” – the Holy Writ – whose pages multiply infinitely. We are tasked to make sense of an unknown language within endless pages, attempting to extract wisdom from an infinite book.