UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, Canada’s award-winning period-instrument ensemble, performs 17th- and 18th-century music from memory before a backdrop of high-definition images from the Hubble telescope and other sources at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, in Schwab Auditorium.
The concert fuses art, science and culture in a commemoration of Galileo’s first public demonstration of the telescope. Conceived, scripted and programmed by Tafelmusik double-bassist Alison Mackay, “The Galileo Project: Music of the Spheres” features poetic narration, choreography and music by Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Bach, Handel and others.
“The program was one of the best I’ve seen in years — a celebration of reason and imagination, whether in art, science or the world of ideas,” wrote a reviewer for the Kansas City Star.
While in State College, Tafelmusik artists are also scheduled to interact with Penn State students and community members at a series of free engagement activities. Find details below.
Buy tickets online or by phone at 814-863-0255. Outside the calling area, dial 800-ARTS-TIX. Tickets are also available at four State College locations: Eisenhower Auditorium (weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Penn State Downtown Theatre Center (weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), HUB-Robeson Center Information Desk (weekdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Bryce Jordan Center (weekdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). A grant from the University Park Allocation Committee makes Penn State student prices possible.
Founded in 1979, Tafelmusik is renowned around the world for its exhilarating and soulful performances. Under the leadership of Jeanne Lamon, chief artistic adviser and former longtime music director, the ensemble has excelled in performing music from the Baroque and Classical eras. The orchestra has also gained acclaim for its adventurous cross-cultural reinventions of ancient music.
In the words of a Gramophone critic, Tafelmusik is “one of the world’s top Baroque orchestras.”Watch a preview of a work from “The Galileo Project.”
Read a Center for the Performing Art feature article about Lamon and the project.
Read a Classical Music Project blog post by Mackay, creator of “The Galileo Project.”
Artistic Viewpoints, an informal moderated discussion featuring a visiting artist, is offered in Schwab one hour before the performance and is free for ticket holders.
Gay D. Dunne and James H. Dunne sponsor the concert, with support provided by Nina C. Brown Endowment. WPSU is the media sponsor.
This presentation is a component of the Center for the Performing Arts Classical Music Project. With support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the project provides opportunities to engage students, faculty and the community with classical music artists and programs. Learn more about the Classical Music Project.
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Related events
“The Galileo Project” and Astronomy8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4100 Life Sciences Building
The public is invited to participate in a discussion, featuring Tafelmusik double-bassist Alison MacKay and Penn State Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics senior lecturer Chris Palma, about the orchestra’s “The Galileo Project: Music of the Spheres.” MacKay speaks about the project’s development and imagery. She also shares musical excerpts from the project. Palma puts the project into historical context and compares the scientific achievements of Galileo’s time with today’s accomplishments. The one-hour event includes, weather permitting, an optional observation of the stars.
A Conversation with the Committee for Early Modern Studies11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5121 Borland BuildingThe public is invited to observe as Tafelmusik’s Alison MacKay engages in an informal conversation with student members of Penn State’s Committee for Early Modern Studies. Topics for the one-hour conversation include Tafelmusik’s “The Galileo Project: Music of the Spheres” and other works.
Oboe Master Class
11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5128 Music Building II
The public is welcome to observe as Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra oboist John Abberger works with Penn State School of Music oboe students. Associate professor Tim Hurtz hosts the one-hour master class.
Music 261 Class Visit by Jeanne Lamon11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5110 Music Building IThe public is invited to hear Jeanne Lamon, Tafelmusik’s chief artistic director, speak to students in a Survey on Music History course. Marica Tacconi, Penn State professor of musicology, hosts the 50-minute class.
Violin Master Class
1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5Music Building I’s Esber Recital Hall
The public is invited to observe as Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra violinist Julia Wedman works with Penn State School of Music strings students. School of Music Professor James Lyon hosts the 90-minute master class.