News Release

In celebration of the World Year of Physics, The Johns Hopkins University will host a lecture and recital on Saturday, Nov. 12, to honor both Albert Einstein's scientific accomplishments and his passion for violin music.

The event — to be held at the university's Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center, 3509 N. Charles St. in Baltimore — begins with a lecture at 7 p.m., followed by a concert at 8:30 p.m. Both are free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served, and no reservations are required.

Called "Superstrings," the concert and lecture feature internationally renowned British violinist Jack Liebeck and Oxford University Professor Brian Foster in a tribute to the 100th anniversary of Einstein's publication of four papers that changed the way we view the universe.

The event will begin with a slide show introduction to the iconic physicist's life and involvement with music that explains how the scientist's ideas have shaped modern concepts of space, time and the evolution of the universe. The show is set to some of Einstein's favorite music: selections from J.S. Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin.

Foster, a physicist, will then discuss how many of our modern ideas build on work done by Einstein. Among those ideas is the so-called "Standard Model" of particle physics, which posits that the evolution of the universe after the Big Bang can be best understood as the interplay of a small number of fundamental forces and a few featureless "elementary" particles - quarks and leptons - and their antimatter equivalents.

At various points throughout the lecture, solo violin music inspired by the ideas discussed will be played. The music was commissioned from Emily Hall and Anna Meredith, two young composers from the United Kingdom.

Following the lecture, Liebeck will present a recital of classical works accompanied by pianist Charles Owen. A critically acclaimed classical artist from an early age, Liebeck has performed as a concerto soloist with many orchestras, including the London Philharmonic and the English Chamber Orchestra. Liebeck's live performances have been broadcast on both BBC radio and television. The young star recently was appointed leader of The Fibonacci Sequence chamber ensemble. Liebeck will play his J.B. Guadagnini violin (which dates back to 1785).

Superstrings is sponsored by the Johns Hopkins University's Henry A. Rowland Department of Physics and Astronomy in recognition of the World Year of Physics, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of Einstein's "miracle year."

For information, call Erin Colliau 410-516-8649 or visit www.pha.jhu.edu/superstrings.