Multimedia Production Uses Music, Narration and Projected Images to Explore Deep Connections Between Music and Science in Galileo’s Time

FEBRUARY 3, 2010, 8 PM

The 2009/10 Baroque Variations series continues at Walt Disney Concert Hall on February 3, 2010 at 8 p.m. with The Galileo Project featuring Canada’s Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra. A multimedia production including video projections and narration by Shaun Smyth, The Galileo Project celebrates the deep connections between music and science in the era of Galileo. Featuring music from Vivaldi, Lully, Monteverdi, Michelangelo Galilei (Galileo’s brother), Merula, Marini, Purcell, Rameau, Handel, Zelenka, Telemann, Weiss and Bach, The Galileo Project is a unique event that uses music, words, and images to explore the artistic, cultural, and scientific world in which 17th- and 18th-century astronomers lived and did their work.

In late 16th-century Florence, the home of lutenist and composer Vincenzo Galilei was a fertile breeding ground for important innovations in the realms of music and of science. Vincenzo’s experiments with the expressive power of accompanied solo song influenced the creation of opera as a musical form, and the style of music now described as “Baroque.” He also conducted repeated trials under controlled conditions with lute strings to find the mathematical formulas that express the relationships among length, tension, and musical pitch. Vincenzo is thought to have been assisted in these experiments by his oldest son, Galileo Galilei, a brilliant young teacher of mathematics who went on to apply his expertise to world-changing discoveries about the universe. The Galileo Project is a musical tribute honoring Galileo, a pioneer whose intellectual and artistic vitality stemmed from a place where music and science intersected.

In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy - which marks 2009 as the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s development and use of the astronomical telescope - Tafelmusik created The Galileo Project at the suggestion of esteemed astronomer and longtime Tafelmusik subscriber, Professor John Percy. The program explores what lies at the heart of this landmark anniversary – an exploration of the wonders of the cosmos and the achievements of the human spirit.

Hailed as “one of the world’s top Baroque orchestras” by Gramophone magazine, Tafelmusik was founded in 1979. Under the inspired leadership of Music Director and concertmaster Jeanne Lamon since 1981, Tafelmusik has achieved international recognition for its concerts and recordings. The ensemble has 17 core members and is expanded as the need arises. Tafelmusik’s success has taken it around the world, with regular tours across North America, Europe, and Asia.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association presents music from the 17th through early 18th centuries in its Baroque Variations series. The 2009/10 season series concludes with Anonymous 4 on March 17, 2010.

For full artist biographies, please visit: http://www.laphil.com

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under the vibrant leadership of Gustavo Dudamel, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable locations anywhere to experience music – Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association’s involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational concerts, children's programming and community concerts, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:
WEDNESDAY, February 3, 2010, at 8 PM
WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL
111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles

Baroque Variations

The Galileo Project

Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra

Jeanne Lamon, Music Director
Shaun Smyth, narrator

Music by VIVALDI, LULLY, MONTEVERDI, GALILEI, MERULA, MARINI, PURCELL, RAMEAU, HANDEL, ZELENKA, TELEMANN, WEISS, BACH

Tickets ($37 - $95) are on sale now at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office, online at LAPhil.com, or via credit card by phone at 323.850.2000. When available, choral bench seats ($17) will be released for sale to selected Philharmonic,Colburn CelebritySeries, and Baroque Variations performances beginning at noon on the Tuesday of the second week prior to the concert. A limited number of $10 rush tickets for seniors and full time students may be available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office two hours prior to the performance. Valid identification is required; one ticket per person; cash only. Groups of 12 or more may be eligible for special discounts for selected concerts and seating areas. For information, please call 323.850.2000.