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Ada Lovelace

Imagining the Analytical Engine

Illustration of punch cards for Ada Lovelace's computer programme and a portrait of Lovelace

A musical tribute to a woman who united the worlds of 19th-century romanticism and cutting-edge science – Ada Lovelace: thinker, computer pioneer and enchantress of numbers.

In an unsympathetic age, Lovelace was a visionary figure: exploring far-reaching mathematical concepts, writing what many recognise as the world’s first computer programme, and anticipating the immense potential of future computers. This evening combines words and music to offer a post-millennial perspective on her legacy and achievement.

It’s devised by Emily Howard, whose own music explores the frontiers of scientific thought, as part of our Life Rewired season. Britten Sinfonia will perform specially commissioned works inspired by Lovelace, written by Howard and her contemporaries. This includes Alter, which innovatively combines Robert Laidlow's original work with the outputs of an artificial intelligence developed by the team of musicians and scientists at PRiSM – a fusion of human and machine creativity to make Ada proud.

This performance will finish by 9.30pm subject to panel discussion lengths, including a 20 minute interval.

PRiSM is the Royal Northern College of Music's Centre for Practice & Research in Science & Music.

Download the programme

Download a copy of the programme here

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With thanks

Milton Court Concert Hall

Location
Milton Court Concert Hall is located within the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and is approximately a 5 minute walk from the Barbican entrance on Silk Street.  

Address
Milton Court
Silk St, London
EC2Y 9BH

Nearby public transport
We are within walking distance from a number of London Underground stations, the closest being Barbican, Old Street, St Paul’s and Moorgate. The nearest train stations are Liverpool Street and Farringdon. Bus Route 153 runs directly past the Barbican along Chiswell Street

Car and bicycle parking
We have free bicycle spaces and paid car parking spaces available