St. Louis, MO – A unique concert at Washington University in St. Louis this Tuesday aims to shift the conversation around climate change from statistics to emotion, using the power of music. “Climate Change in Concert” will feature violinist Clara Kim and composer Christopher Stark in a performance exploring the complex relationship between humanity and a changing planet.
The performance, part of the 2026 Environmental Research & Creativity Week, isn’t simply about presenting data; it’s about creating an immersive experience. As Kim prepares to take the stage, she’ll incorporate delicate instrumental trills mimicking the sounds of cicadas, weaving environmental sounds directly into the music. This approach, according to those involved, is intended to foster a deeper, more visceral connection to the urgency of environmental preservation.
Stark’s compositions, including “2nd Nature,” are central to the concert’s message. He explained that the piece utilizes slowed-down cicada chirps as a foundational element, noting that the sound, when manipulated, “actually sounds like a synthesizer.” This blending of natural and technological sounds, he hopes, will encourage listeners to reflect on the intricate interplay between the two in the context of global environmental challenges. The concert will also feature “Ko’u inoa” and “to speak in a forgotten language” by Leilehua Lanzilotti, and “Jeux d’eau” from Fire Ecologies.
The initiative stems from a desire to broaden engagement with climate issues. Dan Giammar, director of WashU’s Center for the Environment, believes that an interdisciplinary approach – combining artistic expression with scientific research – can reach audiences in new and impactful ways. He hopes the concert will move beyond abstract data and connect with people on an emotional level.
Bridging Art and Science
Kim echoed this sentiment, stating that music possesses a unique ability to resonate with people in ways other mediums cannot. “I think it’s important for [music] to… have a response to these things and to be so deeply influenced by it. I think it would be strange not to,” she said. The collaboration between Stark and Giammar was deliberate, aiming to shape a performance that would be accessible and meaningful to a wider audience.
Giammar emphasized the power of this interdisciplinary approach to foster new perspectives and expose individuals to ideas they might not otherwise encounter. Connecting creative and scientific fields, he argues, can make complex environmental data more tangible and impactful. Stark added that he envisions similar projects in the future, hoping to inspire others to engage with environmental issues through artistic expression.
“The hope is that it can let other creative people—or any audience member—know that they have a voice in the world,” Stark said. “What they care about, they can act upon, whether that’s through a poem, writing, doing a study or writing a book. Anybody who’s moved to do so can be a part of this.”
Concert Details and Related Events
“Climate Change in Concert” will take place on February 24th from 3:00 p.m. To 4:40 p.m. In Umrath Lounge, Umrath Hall on the Washington University campus in St. Louis, Missouri. Registration is required to attend. The event will be followed by a networking reception with light fare.
Those interested in learning more about the role of creativity in climate research can also listen to “St. Louis on the Air” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.
The concert is a timely event, occurring during the 2026 Environmental Research & Creativity Week, a series of events hosted by the WashU Center for the Environment and its partners to showcase interdisciplinary environmental operate at the university. As the climate crisis continues to unfold, initiatives like this demonstrate the growing recognition of the need for innovative approaches to engagement and understanding.
Looking ahead, the organizers hope this concert will serve as a catalyst for further collaboration between the arts and sciences in addressing environmental challenges. The intersection of these disciplines offers a powerful avenue for communicating complex issues and inspiring action.
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