The Galileo Project: Music of the Spheres

Join Tafelmusik on a "cosmic voyage" from earliest times, through the Renaissance, to the 21st century!  What's the occasion?  International Year of Astronomy 2009!  Four centuries ago, in 1609, Galileo Galilei (son of a lutenist) developed the astronomical telescope, and turned it to the skies.  His discoveries revolutionized our understanding of the universe, and our place in it.  IYA is a year-long event, being celebrated in 135 countries around the world.  It's endorsed by UNESCO and the UN General Assembly.

Nowadays, telescopes explore the frontiers of space and time.  They also produce stunning images that inspire people of all ages.  Astronomy has been deeply rooted in culture for millennia.  Practically, it was the basis for navigation, timekeeping, and the calendar.  People also gazed with wonder at the night sky, unhampered by the "light pollution" that we experience today.  They connected the skies to their religious beliefs, looked to them for explanation and prophesy, and wondered about their place in the universe.  We still ask these same questions -- what is the origin and fate of our universe, our star, our planet, and us?  And are there other civilizations out there, asking the same questions?

In "The Galileo Project", you will experience inspiring ideas, images, and music, seamlessly woven together.  It's a stellar example of the fusion of science, arts, and culture, thanks to the creative genius of Alison Mackay and the Tafelmusik team.  As an astronomer and educator, member of the IYA Canada Planning Committee, and supporter of Tafelmusik for almost 30 years, I planted the seed of this project in Alison's mind, and watched, with wonder and admiration, as the project grew into Tafelmusik's most elaborate and multi-faceted production.

As an educator, I am delighted that Alison has also developed an educational version of "The Galileo Project", to be performed in Toronto and on tour. It's creative, engaging and an excellent way of showing young people the connections between science and other human activities. The IYA Canada vision is "to offer an engaging astronomy experience to every Canadian, and to cultivate partnerships that sustain public interest in astronomy".  Or simply expressed: to offer them a "Galileo moment". "The Galileo Project" is a shining example of what we had in mind.

—John R. Percy
Professor Emeritus: Astronomy, and Science Education University of Toronto