‘Space Station Earth’ is a long-form musical work by Ilan Eshkeri, created in collaboration with the European Space Agency uniquely capturing ‘The Overview Effect’: the profound awe astronauts feel when viewing the Earth from orbit. Performed live on synthesisers with orchestra and choir, it is accompanied by an ultrawide three-screen film of high-definition footage filmed by astronauts aboard the International Space Station, which unfolds in parallel with the music, shaped by its emotional narrative and sound world.
This summer will see ‘Space Station Earth’ tour the UK with shows in London, Birmingham and Manchester following a rapturously received sold-out premiere at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2022. Tickets are now available HERE.
Viewing Earth from space presents it as a connected system of land, oceans, weather, and people. Framed by the idea of Earth as a space station, the work explores this perspective through a live audiovisual performance that brings together music and imagery to reflect humanity’s relationship with the planet.
Ilan Eshkeri says:
“Human spaceflight will be at the forefront of public consciousness in 2026, with the planned Artemis II mission taking humans back to the Moon. This created the perfect opportunity to bring back Space Station Earth and give audiences the chance to see through the eyes of an astronaut.”
Biography
Ilan Eshkeri is a BAFTA-, Emmy-, and Ivor-nominated composer whose work spans film, television, video games, dance, theatre, and live performance. He is known for House of Guinness, Mobland, and The Sims 4, as well as cult classics including Layer Cake, Stardust, and The Snowman and the Snowdog.
He has collaborated with artists including Coldplay, Take That, Annie Lennox, Matt Bellamy (Muse), and David Gilmour, as well working creatively with Ralph Fiennes and David Attenborough on landmark projects. His large-scale concert works have been presented at venues including the Royal Albert Hall and the Louvre, and his music combines contemporary classical forms with modern production.
The dates are:
MAY
31st – London, Royal Festival Hall
JUNE
5th – Birmingham, Town Hall
6th – Manchester, AVIVA Studios
The European Space Agency will present a free educational talk for school children with support from the Astra Carta, a visionary framework for space and a mandate of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 2020 as The Prince of Wales.
The talk will take place at the Royal Festival Hall ahead of the concert Space Station Earth, at 6pm with representatives from the European Space Agency introducing the themes explored in the performance.
Space Station Earth combines music and large-scale space imagery to explore the perspective shift that comes from seeing Earth from space. The project was inspired by composer Ilan Eshkeri’s friendship with astronaut Tim Peake.
The talk is designed for ages 10–16.
Only 120 places are available for the talk and these will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to concert ticket holders.
Book concert tickets here:
https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/space-station-earth/
