Victoria Symphony awarded asteroid for contributions during IYA2009

Victoria, BC ’Äì On November 1 and 2, at the Royal Theatre, the Victoria Symphony will be presented a certificate of the discovery and naming of an asteroid during The Planets concerts. This asteroid, VicSympho, was named in recognition for the Victoria Symphony’Äôs strong contributions towards music and science education during the International Year of Astronomy.

According to Jim Hesser, Director of the National Research Council’Äôs Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, Victoria, and Chair of the IYA Canada Committee, ’ÄúThis international honour reflects the gratitude of the astronomical community for the Orchestra’Äôs early and inspirational commitment to marrying the arts and sciences to help children appreciate the majesty of music and of the skies during the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009).’Äù

On November 1 and 2, Jim Hesser and discoverer David Balam will present the Victoria Symphony with an official VicSympho certificate at The Planets concert. This day also marks when VicSympho will be 532 million km from the Earth and 543 million km from the sun. (More information about the asteroid attached.)

At the concert, the Victoria Symphony presents the sights and sounds of Holst’Äôs The Planets, as Dr. Josˆ© Francisco Salgado’Äôs critically-acclaimed video suite is projected on a screen while the orchestra performs. These suites were featured in the opening ceremony of the IYA2009 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and are being shown around the world as part of IYA2009 festivities. Written for a huge orchestra, The Planets is a work of great subtlety and elegance, even in its most ferocious moments. ’ÄúJupiter, the Bringer of Jollity’Äù is the most popular of all the movements. Preview ’ÄúJupiter’Äù http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZTULRl9hrQ The Planets video suite was produced and directed by Dr. Salgado and the executive producers were Adler Planetarium in Chicago and Vectors & Pixels Unlimited.

Gustav Holst’Äôs The Planets is just one of the may ways the Victoria Symphony has continuously supported and contributed to music and science education throughout IYA2009. From performing Holst’Äôs dramatic masterpiece, to hosting the COU's telescopes at the Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash, to creating an educational concert, Music of the Spheres, the Victoria Symphony made strong efforts to bridge music and science for children and families for Canadian communities.

Music Director Tania Miller wrote and conducted an educational concert celebrating IYA2009 and the 400th Anniversary of Galileo’Äôs telescope. Music of the Spheres was performed for thousands of Vancouver Island students in February and April, for more than 20,000 of Toronto children in May, and once again for Victoria children and families at the Concert for Kids this Saturday, October 25. Teacher’Äôs guides combining music and astronomy were produced to engage the students and provide an accessible and fun experience. At these concerts, the IYA2009 collectable AstroCards were given out to all ages and provided opportunities for the community to send their names into space.

The Victoria Symphony is Vancouver Island’Äôs largest and most active arts organization performing for more than 125,000 people each year, including 10,000 schoolchildren. Showcasing the outstanding talents of its musicians and guest artists, the Victoria Symphony’Äôs 2009-2010 season offers a diverse and exciting line-up of over 50 concerts led by its vibrant Music Director Tania Miller.


The Planets Music of the Spheres
November 1 at 2:30pm, Royal Theatre October 25 at 2:30pm, Royal Theatre
November 2 at 8pm, Royal Theatre 250.385.6515 or 250.386.6121
250.385.6515 or 250.386.6121 $12.50+ for Kids, $14.50+ for Adults
$12, $29.50, $39.50, $48.50 www.victoriasymphony.ca
www.victoriasymphony.ca