Jean-Michel Jarre & Sir Brian May perform historic live concert: Watch

Jean-Michel Jarre and special guest Sir Brian May illuminated the skies of Bratislava, Slovakia last night with “Bridge from the Future,” the opening performance of the seventh STARMUS Festival edition. Sponsored by ESET, a global leader in digital security, Jarre, a pioneer in electronic music, orchestrated this unique futuristic installation, presenting a live performance against the breathtaking backdrop of the SNP (UFO) Bridge.

As evening descended, audiences from across the city gathered along the Danube, greeted by a brand-new composition titled “Blue Dot in Space.” Crafted specifically for this event, Jarre‘s music seamlessly integrated real celestial sounds, prompting contemplation of humanity’s position in the cosmos and the future of our planet—a theme resonating throughout this year’s STARMUS Festival.

Uniting Music and Technology

The grand spectacle featured meticulously synchronized architectural lighting and laser displays visible from three countries, including Austria and Hungary. Furthermore, a mesmerizing ballet of 400 drones painted the night sky with a supernova-like exhibition, complemented by fireworks choreographed to the music. In addition, two towering turrets, over 30 meters tall, framed the UFO bridge adorned with lights and lasers. Jarre himself envisioned all of these elements as a visual score to the music.

The Bratislava concert epitomized Jarre‘s artistic evolution since pioneering large-scale open-air events globally. It showcased his adeptness in leveraging technology to redefine live entertainment. This event underscored the integral connection between science, technology, and art, a central theme of STARMUS Festival.

The repertoire included 19 musical works spanning Jean-Michel Jarre career, including a groundbreaking rendition of Antonín Dvořák’s New World Symphony, a historic collaboration between Jarre and Sir Brian May. May also joined Jarre for performances of newly adapted pieces “Bratislava Time” and “Rendez-vous Bratislava.” Accompanied by his backing band, featuring longtime collaborator Claude Samard and newcomer Adiescar Chase on various instruments, Jarre was also supported by members of the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir.

The mammoth stage, constructed over a month by a team of over 100 people, boasted state-of-the-art technology and an environmentally responsible approach, offsetting its carbon impact by supporting forest preservation efforts.

Globally broadcasted through various platforms, including Slovakian National TV and Jarre‘s YouTube channel, the concert encapsulated the essence of STARMUS Festival‘s mission to unite science, art, and music. With its theme, “STARMUS Earth: the future of our home planet,” the festival serves as a platform for intellectual exchange, inspiring future generations to tackle global challenges through curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.

You can relive this groundbreaking performance below: