“Your Brain on Beethoven”: art meets science at the EBRAINS Summit 2025

EBRAINS Summit Art Meets Science
Pianist Mei Rui and violinist Stella Chen will perform Beethoven’s Kreutzer Sonata while their real-time brain activity is mapped on stage using brain-computer interface technology.

On Tuesday, 9 December, the EBRAINS Summit closes its public day with a unique art-science performance in Brussels: Your Brain on Beethoven.

Violinist Dr. Stella Chen (2019 Queen Elizabeth Competition winner) and concert pianist Dr. Mei Rui will perform Beethoven’s Kreutzer Sonata. During the performance, real-time Brain-Computer Interface mapping will display the violinist's and pianist's brain activity on stage, showcasing their neural activation and synchronisation as they play. 

The event is led by neuroscientist José L. Contreras-Vidal, Distinguished Professor at the University of Houston and Director of the NSF BRAIN Center. Together with his neuroengineering team, they study the intersection of neuroscience with music and movement, advancing research in creative brain-body interfaces. 

Organised in parternship between EBRAINS and AccelNet Movement, Music and Brain Health (USA), the event is free and open to all as part of the EBRAINS Summit’s public programme – registration is required. 

EBRAINS Summit 2025 

Art science performance: “Your Brain on Beethoven” 

Tuesday, 9 December – 19:30-20:00 

Registrations 

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