Robot cellist makes orchestral debut

Swedish-born contemporary classical composer Jacob Mühlrad has marked a world first with his latest project. In a joint performance with the Malmö Symphony Orchestra (MSO), Mühlrad debuted a cello-playing robot for the premiere of his new work Veer (bot) (2024) at the Malmö Live Concert Hall last week (17 October).

For Mühlrad, this latest project is a study of how technology can complement human musicianship rather than replace it. The robot cellist, which consists of two industrial robotic arms, was created by composer and robotics creator Fredrik Gran. Gran originally built the robot for the 2019 premiere of his Robot cellist and String Quartet (17’) with sponsorship from the Swedish Arts Council and KUKA Robotics, the company behind the ‘dancing robot’ at the 2016 Paralympic Opening Ceremony.

Talking about this collaboration between human and technology, Mühlrad said: ‘For me, this project is an exploration of how humans and technology interact, and where they differ. The robot has a different anatomy from a human cellist, it has the potential to push the boundaries of what’s possible with a cello and how it can sound. All instruments are essentially forms of technology, but many are so old we no longer think of them as such.’

He added: ‘The reception from all over the world has been massive. I hope people appreciate the music itself and the experiment as a whole, and that it prompts reflection and challenges perceptions of culture, technology, and creativity. Beyond the headlines, there’s a lot to unpack here.’

The programme, led by conductor Lin Liao, featured 15 pieces by Mühlrad performed by the MSO and soloists Markus Holmander, who performed a shortened version of Mühlrad’s clarinet concerto SEMA, as well as tenor Martin Vanberg and jazz pianist Joel Lyssarides. The concert also included the orchestral premiere of Mühlrad’s symphonic version of Swedish House Mafia’s One.

The robot cellist is set to perform again in the US this December.