Dr. Leonardo Barilaro, known as the Space Pianist, continues to push the boundaries of music and space exploration with his groundbreaking work. His latest piece, Black Sun, premiered on November 27th in a live stream from the International Space Station (ISS), is a testament to the fusion of art and science. In this exclusive interview with Apricot Magazine, Dr. Barilaro delves into his artistic journey, the creation of Black Sun, and his vision for the future of space-inspired music.
We had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Leonardo Barilaro, the Space Pianist, about his journey, the creation of the Black Sun, and his innovative vision for the future of music and space exploration.
Interview with Dr. Leonardo Barilaro
Leonardo: There was never a transition! I grew up in parallel and at the same time as both an aerospace engineer and a pianist. My long journey began with a childhood fascination for both music and astronomy. I discovered the piano at six and astronomy at nine, inspired by Isaac Asimov’s vision of the cosmos. Blending aerospace engineering and music was a natural evolution of my passions, aiming to inspire audiences and explore the human connection to space through art.
2. How did the concept for Black Sun originate, and what message do you hope to convey through it?
Leonardo: ‘Black Sun’ is a meditation on cosmic mystery and human resilience. It symbolizes the enigmatic forces of the universe, like black holes, while reflecting humanity’s quest for understanding and transcendence through exploration and art.
The main question seeding the composition was: What does a black hole sound like? NASA offered a glimpse with their recordings of the vibrations of interstellar gas surrounding a black hole. Black Sun is an artistic experiment, blending these cosmic sounds with the piano as we attempt to grasp the immense forces shaping our universe.
Leonardo: Premiering Black Sun from the ISS was yet another surreal experience, even as the fourth composition of mine to be streamed from Space. The sense of awe comes from representing the intersection of art and science in a genuinely cosmic context. It highlighted the potential of space as a platform for creative expression and pushed the boundaries of traditional music performance.
4. How did the NASA black hole recordings influence the sound and structure of the Black Sun?
Leonardo: Incorporating the black hole sound added a haunting and immersive sonic dimension, capturing the immense and mysterious energy of these celestial phenomena. These recordings shaped the composition’s deep, resonant structure, highlighting the theme of cosmic awe. This was further enhanced by experimental techniques on the acoustic piano, including moments where I ‘mute’ the strings using the palm of my hand.
Leonardo: Collaborating with Dr. Merritt Moore and Arise Wan was truly inspiring, as their unique perspectives brought incredible depth to the project. Both are polymaths: Merritt is a quantum physicist and professional ballerina, while Arise is an architect and visual artist with prior experience in Space Art. Their contributions in dance and visual art created a multisensory experience, enriching the connection between music, movement, and the cosmos.
Leonardo: Black Sun breaks away from conventional music frameworks by blending space-inspired sounds, experimental techniques and structures. By incorporating elements such as NASA’s black hole recordings and unconventional piano methods, it redefines what music can be: a bridge between science, art and the cosmos. It encourages philosophical introspection, urging listeners to reflect on their place in the vastness of Space.
Leonardo: Recording at New York Abu Dhabi was an energetic and collaborative experience. The Arts Center’s state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant environment infused the process with creative vitality. A standout moment was experimenting with acoustics and technology to craft a cosmic atmosphere. A sophisticated array of microphones was specially designed for this composition, and the insightful conversations with the Gazelien Records team and the head sound engineer, Prof. Matteo Marciano, were both memorable and deeply inspiring.
8. How has your previous release, Moon Seeds, shaped your approach to Black Sun?
Leonardo: Black Sun and Moon Seeds were composed during the same period and are both part of the ASTROBEAT mission, which was onboard the International Space Station from November 5th to December 16th, 2024. While they are “sisters” in the context of their shared mission, they are profoundly different in origin, concept and execution. With these compositions, I aimed to explore new creative territories but in distinct ways. Moon Seeds (in collaboration with Tina Guo and Steve Mazzaro) embodies a reflective and meditative tone, while Black Sun ventures into the darker, mysterious energies of the cosmos. Each piece represents a unique face of space-inspired artistry, pushing boundaries through different techniques and approaches, yet remaining deeply connected as part of the larger ASTROBEAT vision.
Leonardo: Art and Space will increasingly intertwine, from performances in microgravity to compositions inspired by celestial phenomena. I envision Space becoming a canvas for artistic innovation, uniting humanity through a shared cosmic experience.
Leonardo: After Black Sun, I am focusing on expanding the ASTROBEAT mission and vision, including new space-based experiments and collaborations with artists and scientists. I am aiming at growing the impact of my activity as Space Art Cultural Ambassador. My ultimate goal remains performing a live concert from Mars, streamed to Earth.
Experience Black Sun
With its celestial elements and profound themes, Black Sun challenges perceptions and offers a truly cosmic journey. The single and its mesmerizing music video are now available on all platforms.
Follow Dr. Leonardo Barilaro on social media for more updates:
Step into the cosmic soundscapes of the Black Sun—an experience that bridges art, science, and the stars.
