About the event
‘Sounds in Stone’ is a concert inspired by the museum’s collections, with music reflecting the story of life, our planet, and the universe beyond. Centered on voice and piano, with special arrangements for oboe, viola, and violin, the programme spans classical and contemporary works—from Copland’s reflections on nature to Britten’s seascapes and Björk’s haunting Jóga.
Performed by musicians from the European Space Agency’s climate team, led by mezzo-soprano Susanne Mecklenburg with pianist William Hancox, this concert offers a rare meeting of scientific insight and musical expression. Join us for an evening where the history of life resonates through sound as well as stone and stars.
The musical pieces will be introduced with specimens that inspired their choice by two of the Museum’s geological research and collections staff; Dr. Ross Anderson and Dr. Duncan Murdoch.
The event includes a bar and a chance to explore the collections with a drink after dark.
About the speaker
Susanne Mecklenburg
Susanne performs regularly as a soloist, giving recitals in Italy, Switzerland, Germany and the UK. Her latest CD you can find on [Recordings]. She came to singing later in life, consequently her vocal training did not follow the conventional route. Even though she grew up in a musical family in Dresden and learnt classical Spanish guitar at an early age, she decided to take up a scientific career. After graduating in natural sciences, Susanne moved to Zurich where she obtained a PhD from the Swiss Institute for Technology. It was there that she returned to music, receiving vocal training and singing in various music ensembles. In 2001 she moved to England to pursue her scientific career and met her pianist William Hancox at the Dartington International Summer School. From 2007 to 2019 Susanne lived outside Rome, pursuing both her scientific and musical careers – the former as a Mission Manager for the European Space Agency’s Satellites. Since 2019 she is back in the UK, heading ESA’s Climate Office.
William Hancox
After a degree at Cambridge, William studied with Joseph Weingarten, a student of Dohnanyi, Bartok and Kodaly. He has performed as soloist and chamber musician throughout the UK and internationally, broadcast for Classic FM and the BBC and made a number of recordings. He was a staff pianist at the Guildhall School, Trinity College of Music and the Britten-Pears School in Aldeburgh.
William has performed throughout Europe and made several trips to China, giving masterclasses and concerts in the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing. He has also worked extensively as a vocal coach, with many students now pursuing successful singing careers.
Recent projects include a recording of Nicholas Smith’s Love Friendship and Longing, recitals with distinguished mezzo Louise Winter and a recording of English song with soprano Lorna Windsor.
For more information on the performers please visit
www.susannemecklenburg.info
https://musicboxwealden.co.uk
https://willhancox.co.uk
William lives in East Sussex and is deeply involved in music making in his own community. In 2022 he launched Music Box Wealden, which promotes concerts featuring local artists in the Wealden area.
Accessibility information
| Wheelchair accessible? |
Yes |
| Hearing loops? |
Yes |
| Seating? |
Yes |
| Refreshments? |
No |
| Flashing lights? |
No |
| Loud noises? |
No |
For more information, please visit our accessibility webpage.
