The Dresden Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 25th anniversary with ROBOTERSINFONIE

The Dresden Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 25th anniversary with ROBOTERSINFONIE, a concert where a robot will assist the conductor, exploring the intersection of technology and music. In collaboration with the CeTI Cluster of Excellence at TU Dresden, the robot, MAiRA Pro S, has been trained to mimic a conductor’s gestures, taking on tasks that challenge human abilities.

The concert is divided into two parts. The first, conducted by Michael Helmrath, features works by Markus Lehmann-Horn, Konstantia Gourzi, and Wieland Reissmann. In the second part, MAiRA Pro S takes over, leading the orchestra in the world premiere of #kreuzknoten by Reissmann, a piece with complex intersecting rhythms that only the robot can manage.

The program also includes Semiconductor’s Masterpiece by Andreas Gundlach, which divides the orchestra into three groups playing in different meters and tempi, further showcasing the robot’s capabilities. This innovative event not only highlights the robot's precision but also raises questions about the future of creativity and the role of technology in art. Founded in 1999 by Markus Rindt and Sven Helbig, the Dresden Symphony Orchestra continues its tradition of exploring new frontiers in contemporary music and social justice.