The Music of the Primes at RNCM

Johnny James, Managing Editor

Book now

The Music of the Primes

23 October 2018

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Book now

Prime numbers are regarded as the most beautiful, enigmatic and important numbers in the whole of mathematics. Their unique mathematical properties make them integral to the natural world, and also incredibly useful to humans, with countless applications in our modern lives. They are far from fully understood, however. All around the world, mathematicians are striving to further unravel their mysteries. In a new collaboration from PRiSM, The Music of the Primes explores the link between music and maths, posing the idea that music can be a fascinating way to experience prime numbers.

Opening the evening, co-director of PRiSM and Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford, Marcus du Sautoy will present the mathematical story of The Music of the Primes. Afterwards, students of the RNCM will offer musical responses to this unfinished mathematical saga. Four new short commissions will be performed, each written for an instrumental quartet.

All of this before du Sautoy explores Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time from a mathematical perspective. He will show how the piece exploits mathematical ideas, including an extraordinary application of prime numbers to create a sense of never-ending time. This will be a truly illuminating event, from which you will gain an insight into the fascinating and often surprising links between music and maths. And don’t fear if it’s been a while since you’ve practiced your equations – you don’t need to be Pythagoras to take something interesting away from the evening!

Where to go near The Music of the Primes at RNCM

Manchester
Restaurant
San Carlo Fumo

San Carlo Fumo is a sun trap on St Peter’s Square, serving up traditional Italian food at its best

Utility Gift Shop
Manchester
Shop
Utility Gift Shop

Utility Gift Shop on Oxford Road is all about products that are new, unique, quirky and cool. High street shopping at its best.

exterior of Contact Theatre building
Manchester
Theatre
Contact Theatre

Following a major redevelopment, the iconic venue on Oxford Road will be reopening its doors to welcome the public back into the building this autumn. 

The Salutation pub in Manchester
Manchester
Bar or Pub
The Salutation

This traditional boozer, surrounded by imposing flats and university buildings, was taken over by Trof (of the Deaf Institute fame). The Sally, as the regulars call it, hosts an energetic, arty crowd – and its recently expanded outside area is another good reason to visit.

What's on: Music

Aisla dancing and Dj'ing
ActivityAncoats
Become A Superstar DJ

Get hands on with the decks in this funk and soul superstar DJ workshop from BBC Radio 6’s Ailsa.

Free entry
A youth band playing guitars Slam Dunk & Launchpad Youth Showcase
Music
Slam Dunk & Launchpad Youth Showcase

Launchpad & Slam Dunk have teamed up for a new Youth Showcase event, featuring 5 artists all aged 18 and under based in West Yorkshire performing at one of Leeds

From £8.00
Music
MusicStockport
That Night In Manchester

Join the electrifying musical ‘That Night in Manchester’. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Manchester indie scene. Step into the Madchester time machine as you hear a father recount the highs and lows of his life to his only son during the Madchester era spanning his life through the 70’s 80’s & 90’s as you experience the music performed live on stage.

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Experimental performance, thought-provoking new writing and our picks of Manchester International Festival - here’s what’s taking centre stage this summer.

A painting called Daphne, 2021, by Carolien Walker. The painting features Caroline’s own daughter as a toddler.
Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Cloudwater Production One
Tours and Activities in the North

Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.

A young boy with a white sash around his left arm cries.
Cinema in the North

Outdoor cinema announcements, a major retrospective at HOME, and the best of indie cinema.

Music in the North

Gigs are coming in hot this spring – from long-awaited returns to one-off happenings you’ll blink and miss if you're not careful.