The Licht fantastic

Karlheinz Stockhausen was the 20th century's Wagner: controversial, innovative beyond the point of incomprehensibility, and a cultural monument even before his death. His electronic and spatial creations influenced not only orchestral composers such as Stravinsky but also popular artists as diverse as Miles Davis, Frank Zappa, Pink Floyd, Kraftwerk and Björk.

Between 1977 and 2003 Stockhausen wrote a cycle of operas called Licht ("Light", subtitled "The Seven Days of the Week"). Mercifully unlike Wagner, he did not expect his audiences to sit reverentially through the whole thing in a purpose-built temple dedicated to his own greatness: each day's Acts are divided into self-contained modules, but still even such excerpts are only occasionally performed. This is understandable not only because the work is over 29 hours long, but also due to its sometimes extreme demands in orchestration, such as the scoring of Helikopter-Streichquartett for string quartet and four helicopters, hovering above the concert hall.

Sydney audiences have a rare chance to sample Licht and other Stockhausen's compositions from 1pm to midnight on Sat 6 June, as part of Smart Light Sydney. Various public spaces and performance halls at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music will concurrently house performers on orchestral and electronic instruments, and listeners can move around as they please. At 8pm 'Invasion-Explosion', the entire second Act of Tuesday from Licht, will be staged with images and a barrage of aesthetic technology. The opera's leading characters include the Archangel Michael on trumpet, and cosmic underdog Lucifer on the trombone. The performers include flugelhorn and synthesizer players who studied with the Great Man. It is followed by Hymnen, one of his most influential pieces, based on an assortment of national anthems.

The world's pre-eminent Stockhausen scholar, Richard Toop, will give pre-concert talks. Admission is free but tickets available on the day may be required for some pieces, so bags your place early.

Licht is performed at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on Sat 6 Jun.

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