But are they?

Albert Einstein once said, “Life without playing music is inconceivable for me.”

Einstein was an enthusiastic Mozart aficionado.

At the height of his fame he was not only known as a leading theoretical physicist, but also as a fervent violinist.

Musical instruments were among the first technologies fashioned by humans.

While undoubtedly the human voice was the first expression of our musicality, percussion instruments crafted from stone date back 165,000 years.

They were hewed in such a way as to produce a range of tonal qualities when struck. 

Fast forward to the present and musical instruments are going through some tremendous transformations thanks to science. 

From the Virtuoso Piano App that turns your tablet into a keyboard, to the electrification of acoustic instruments.

Enter Clare Brassil from Cello Riot who combines science and music by using looping technology to fully harness the electronic potential of her classical instrument.

Clare will perform as part of National Science Week.

Join her as she re-imagines her cello through the prism of science, with an amplifier, effects processor and loop pedal.

Clare is a member of the Riverina Chamber Orchestra.

She has performed with the Sydney, Melbourne, Western Australian and Tasmanian symphony orchestras, as well as the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra.

Clare has also played live with artists such as with Kanye West, Barbra Streisand, Missy Higgins, and Lior.

As Cello Riot she supported Katie Noonan in Wagga earlier this year.

Don’t miss your opportunity to see one of the region’s most accomplished musicians at the Wagga Wagga City Library on Thursday, August 20 at 5.30pm.

Bookings are essential, contact the library on 6926 9700.

microVISION

JOIN John Harper from Charles Sturt University to get up close and personal with the invisible world - invisible to the naked eye, that is!

This Family Science Event will allow participants to explore the micro world and then capture it on any mobile device. All you need to do is bring your curiosity and something to look at.

Preserving your Family History workshop

JOIN a senior conservator from the State Library of NSW to learn how to preserve your family history. This workshop comprises part of the State Library's World War One Centenary Program and is designed to help individuals preserve their precious family collections.

You'll receive tips and techniques on how to improve the preservation and storage of a range of objects including letters, journals and photographs. Places are limited.

Opening Hours