Scientist and poet Professor Banafshé Larijani has worked with composer Vernon C David to create “Imprisoned Absence”, an event that combines music and poetry to explore the symbolic imagery of the collective conscious.

The piece will be performed by Professor Larijani alongside the Ligeti Quartet at 7pm on Friday 14 July at the Langford & Oakshott Rooms at Lincoln College, Oxford University. It will also be streamed live online.

Professor Larijani is the Director of the Centre for Therapeutic Innovation at the University of Bath (CTI-Bath). She’s worked with Massachusetts-based composer Vernon C David for over 30 years producing performances that combine the shared language and experiences of art and science.

She said: “Imagination in my scientific research is inspired by the imagery in symbolist and post-symbolist poetry.

“Imprisoned Absence is the first part of a larger project that aims to break down the conventional divisions between art and science, creating a common language that translates cellular communication at the interface of the disciplines.

“I’m very excited to be performing this world premiere with the Ligeti Quartet, which is at the forefront of modern and contemporary music – they are really passionate about taking their music to new and diverse audiences.”

This piece is open to all, with student discounts available as well as tickets for the live streaming for those unable to attend in person.

Booking details are available on Eventbrite.