Tasmanian composer Constantine Koukias returns from Amsterdam with Dutch sound designer Willem van Erven Dorens to transform one of science’s greatest mysteries, dark energy, into a live, spatial-audio experience inside Hobart’s Theatre Royal.

VAST is inspired by the 1998 discovery that the expansion of the Universe is accelerating, made by Adam Riess, Saul Perlmutter, and Brian Schmidt — which won them the Nobel Prize in Physics.

The international ensemble features Australian pianist Gabriella Smart, American soprano Katharine Dain, English tenor Tyrone Landau, Tasmanian musicians Jennifer Owen (violin) and Yoram Levy (trumpet), Celia Craig (Cor Anglais, SA), Greg Gurr (sound supervisor), Jason James (lighting designer), and Donald Bate (live delay operator).

This Australian Premier is presented by Beaker St Festival and Theatre Royal, Hobart on Wednesday 12 August 2026 at 8pm and on Thursday 13 August 2026 at 8pm.

The notated score has been generously supported by The Hon. Christopher Schacht, DARKLab, Museum of Old & New Art, Suzanne and Cameron Brett, James Speed, Michele McGinity, SOUNDSTREAM – New Music and Creative Australia.

To view composer notes visit here.

To book tickets visit here.