Twenty years ago composer Karlheinz Stockhausen officially opened the SARC building on the occasion of being awarded a honorary doctorate from Queen’s University Belfast. Stockhausen’s ideas on immersive sound were key influences for the design of the Sonic Lab, the brain child of Michael Alcorn.

Twenty years on, SARC has organically evolved to explore numerous research avenues in immersion, interaction, inclusivity, urban space, performance, composition and scholarship. Today’s event celebrates SARC’s history with works and performances by PhD alumni.