From Molecules to Music: Synthetic Compositions at the Sydney Opera House
Tuesday 12 August 2025
7:00pm – 8:30pm (AEST)
Sydney Opera House
Dr Mark Temple’s interdisciplinary performance and its contribution to public engagement and creative learning.
On 12 August 2025, the Utzon Room at Sydney Opera House will host Synthetic Compositions: Music Made from Artificial DNA Sequences. A groundbreaking performance by Dr Mark Temple blending molecular biology, musical composition, and visual art.
Dr Temple’s work at Western Sydney University transforms DNA code into music by mapping nucleotide bases (A, T, C, G) to musical notes. What emerges is a sonification algorithm used for both data analysis and live creative performance (Smithsonian Magazine, 2022). This interdisciplinary endeavor reframes molecular structures as evolving musical compositions with rhythm, harmony, and narrative drawn from the genetic code itself (The Conversation, 2017; Western Sydney University, 2017).
Event Experience
Presented during National Science Week 2025, the performance features live musicians responding to synthetic DNA-generated music. It will also showcase visual projections that mirror the DNA sequences and highlight their translation into sound. This immersive experience is being documented to support public engagement and learning.
Research Impact & Educational Value
SEED Lab, in partnership with the School of Science and the School of Humanities and Communication Arts, aims to facilitate the fusion of research and creativity, while enabling a platform for students, scientists, and artists to collaborate and learn from each other.
- Elevating science outreach: DNA sonification offers a novel, multisensory way to engage audiences with complex molecular concepts, making science more accessible and emotionally resonant.
- Highlighting creative research: This project contributes to international discussions on cognitive and algorithmic music, including a presentation at ICAD 2024 and other interdisciplinary forums. It positions creative practice as a vital mode of research communication.
- Supporting student learning: Documenting the event provides valuable material for teaching, public engagement, and future creative research. It also offers hands-on experience for WSU students across science, music, design, and media.
This performance is a statement of possibility. It demonstrates how scientific data can inspire art, and how creative expression can amplify the impact of scientific research. We’re very excited to be working with Dr Temple and look forward to sharing the final footage, visuals, and audience reflections with you after the event.
Stay tuned for updates!
References
Australian Government, 2025. National Science Week. [online]
ICAD, 2024. Exploring a recombinant DNA framework for musical composition [conference paper]. International Conference on Auditory Display (ICAD). Available at: https://icad2024.icad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ICAD_2024_paper_16.pdf
Smithsonian Magazine, 2022. Why scientists are turning molecules into music. [online] Available at: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/why-scientists-are-turning-molecules-into-music-180980022/
Sydney Opera House, 2025. Synthetic Compositions: Music Made from Artificial DNA Sequences. [online] Available at: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/contemporary-music/synthetic-compositions-music-made-artificial-dna-sequences
Western Sydney University, 2017. What does DNA sound like? Using music to unlock the secrets of genetic code. [online]
Temple, M., 2025. LinkedIn post: Exploring a recombinant DNA framework for musical composition. [online] Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/exploring-recombinant-dna-framework-musical-mark-temple-ildhc
