The Interfinity Festival 2026 is dedicated to exoplanets and the cosmos – in close collaboration with the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) PlanetS.
 

The highlight takes place on 19 and 20 March 2026 with the Swiss premiere of Exoplanets, a new work by Robert Laidlow, performed by the Sinfonieorchester Basel in the vast, empty Messehalle 1 (the very hall normally reserved for Art Unlimited).
 

Laidlow, one of the most compelling British composers of his generation, weaves cutting-edge scientific insights into so-called Hycean planets and other extraordinary exoplanets – in other words, celestial bodies far beyond our solar system – into his composition with remarkable ingenuity and breathtaking sonic richness (for 80 musicians!). The audience travels to distant worlds, discovering planets where iron rains from the sky, oceans cover entire surfaces, or crystals sweep through the atmosphere in violent storms – a sonic expedition into the bizarre and beautiful diversity of the universe. Even into the deep, lightless oceans where life may exist.

Short scientific intermezzi present current discoveries and fascinating questions. With his resonant voice, moderator Prof. Dr. Henry Legg guides the audience through the evening, building a bridge between music and science.
 

The visual dimension is created by world-renowned Dutch light artist Nick Verstand, who transforms the hall into a pulsating galaxy of light and laser.
 

Afterwards, a reception (included in the ticket – première night only) offers the opportunity to meet and speak with scientists from NCCR PlanetS about exoplanets and the vastness of the universe.
 

A pre-concert introduction at 18:30 will take place on both evenings, featuring composer Robert Laidlow and Festival Director Lukas Loss.
 

The project is a collaboration with the Sinfonieorchester Basel and the MCH Group and jointly commissioned with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, which will present the purely musical version in London.