From 2-8 March, the BBC is set to launch an AI-packed programme. Ahead of this focus on AI, TONIGHT (28 Feb 2026) on BBC Radio 3, Tom Service will present the work of composer Robert Laidlow, co-commissioned with the Rundfunk Sinfonieorchester Berlin for the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. TECHNO-UTOPIA draws from the orchestra’s recorded archives and is the first orchestral piece to use embedded AI instruments. The programme will be available online for 28 days.

TECHNO-UTOPIA, a concerto for piano, synthesizers and newly-created intelligent instruments, was premiered by the BBC Philharmonic with soloist Zubin Kanga and conductor Jack Sheen on 11 July 2025, at the BBC Philharmonic Studio in Salford.

Its German premiere with the Rundfunk Sinfonieorchester Berlin is scheduled for 11 October 2026 with the Berlin Philharmonie conducted by Vimbayi Kaziboni and soloist Zubin Kanga.

Read about Robert Laidlow’s research behind TECHNO-UTOPIA at
https://www.robertlaidlow.co.uk/technoutopia-research