The Planets 2018 - SOLD OUT

Holst’s The Planets was first performed 100 years ago. But what would it sound like if created today?

Inspired by modern astronomy and music, the Ligeti Quartet perform 8 new planetary works spanning contemporary classical, electronica to jazz, created especially for planetariums. The wonderful sounds accompany live 3D visuals created by the We The Curious team, in an astronomical journey into new music. Composed by: Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Deborah Pritchard, Laurence Crane, Mira Calix, Richard Bullen, Shiva Feshareki, Samuel Bordoli and Yazz Ahmed.

To inform and inspire them, each composer has been matched with one of the UK’s leading scientists, working at the forefront of astronomy and passionate about widening its audience.  These include experts from Imperial College, Queen Mary College, Royal Astronomical Society and Open University who will provide composers with deeper insights into their planets and opportunities to visit them in their labs, handle artefacts and experience footage from the Mars Rover in virtual reality.

Each new piece of music will be introduced by the voice of comedian Jon Culshaw (Dead Ringers, Newzoids and Spitting Image), a lifelong astronomy enthusiast and part of The Sky at Night team.

The event also features an introductory talk by Dr. Philippa Mason, from Imperial College London’s Department of Earth Science & Engineering.

Dr Mason was the scientific mentor for 'Venus', composed by Shiva Feshareki - an experimental composer, radio presenter and turntablist of British Iranian heritage.  Her work explores the sound of electricity through a wide range of practises and collaborative processes incorporating classical methodology.

A Live Music Sculpture event produced by Sound UK. Funded by Arts Council England National Lottery and RVW Trust.