Dazzling images of the universe combined with beautiful classical music and poetic narration to create a fusion of science and culture that was 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, created the astounding Music of the Spheres.

More of a performance than a concert, works by Galileo’s contemporaries were 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 was an unmissable event for anyone who had 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.’

Music Director Jeanne Lamon  

Concept, Script & Program Alison Mackay 

Production Design Glenn Davidson  

Production Assistant Raha Javanfar   

Narrator Shaun Smyth

PROGRAMME INCLUDED:

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