The Galileo Project: Music of the Spheres - NZIAF

“An event steeped in intellect and imagination” - The New York Times

Dazzling images of the universe combine with beautiful classical music and poetic narration to create a fusion of science and culture that is simply out of this world.

Galileo Galilei’s development of the astronomical telescope was an innovation that was to forever change the way we view the universe and our place within it.

To commemorate the 400th anniversary of this achievement Tafelmusik, one of the world’s most prolific and celebrated baroque orchestras, has created the astounding Music of the Spheres.

More of a performance than a concert, works by Galileo’s contemporaries are performed from memory, playing in perfect harmony with stunning astrological images and words from the writings of Galileo, Isaac Newton and other great astronomers.

This is an unmissable event for anyone who has marvelled at the beauty of the night sky. As the Toronto Star put it: ‘it’s hard to come back down to Earth when it’s all over.’

Programme includes:
Handel: Allegro from Concerto Grosso in D, Opus 3 No. 6
Lully: Overture and excerpts from Phaeton
Purcell: Rondeau from Abdelazer
Rameau: Entrance of Mercury from Platée
Monteverdi: Ciaconna after Zefiro torna
Rameau: Entrance of Jupiter from Hippolyte et Aricie
Merula: Ciaconna
Monteverdi: Ritornello and Moresca from Orfeo

Co-production with The Banff Centre

With support from Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council