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, has created the astounding Music of the Spheres.
More of a performance than a concert, works by Galileo’s contemporaries are 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 is an unmissable event for anyone who has 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.’
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra (Canada)
Date: Fri 16 Mar 2012
Venue: Wellington Town Hall
Time: 8pm
Few do theatrical spectacle better than multi award-winning artist James Thiérrée. Not surprising really, given that he grew up in a renowned theatrical family and has been perfecting the art of performance since he was knee-high to a ringmaster.
After wildly popular Festival performances in 2004 (The Junebug Symphony) and 2006 (Bright Abyss), Thiérrée returns in his new full-length piece as Raoul, a lone figure adrift in an incredible, ever changing world of billowing sails, steel pipes and driftwood. Alone, that is, until the arrival of a destructive doppelgänger that attacks Raoul’s home and has him questioning his very identity and existence.
Unexpected at every turn, Thiérrée draws from a seemingly endless repertoire of theatrical talents as he pushes his mind and body to incredible new places. In his hands every part of the intricate set comes alive as Raoul’s world begins to spectacularly crash down around him.
Funny, moving and achingly beautiful, Raoul is a mesmerising journey into the mind of one of Europe’s most creative and versatile artists.
Date: Wed 14 Mar 2012 — Sun 18 Mar 2012
Venue: St James Theatre, Courtney Place, Wellington
Time: 14, 16–18 March 8pm
Dates: 17 December 2011 – 22 April 2012
Venue: Te Papa Museum, Visa Platinum Gallery, Level 4
More Info: http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/WhatsOn/exhibitions/WeddingDress/Pages/default.aspx
Admission charges apply