We’re having a great time so far this year with IYA events. Yes, we’re doing a lot more stargazing events and public star parties — we wouldn’t normally schedule many of them in winter! But when the weather has cooperated the turnout has been tremendous, the best ever at our public venues at the science centre and university observatory. But these are the kinds of events we do as a matter of course every year.

What makes this year special are the events that are totally unique, ones the Year of Astronomy has made possible. For me, the two highlights so far have been two astronomically-themed concerts I and others in the local community have been able to participate in. What better way to celebrate astronomy than with music!

We started the Year off on January 9 in Banff, with the premiere The Galileo Project, a concept concert by the renowned Canadian Baroque music ensemble Tafelmusik led by Jeanne Lamon. Sparked by an idea from astronomer John Percy, one of the group’s members, Alison MacKay took the idea of a concert of music from Galileo’s time and created a marvelous program, with an actor providing readings from Galileo, Newton, Kepler and others, seamlessly blended with period music.

Some of us were able to attend the premiere concert in Banff, providing telescopes for pre- and post-concert viewing on the plaza outside the concert hall doors. Everyone was able to have their Galileo Moment.

What made the concert all the more special to me was the use of many of my astro-images as part of the visual backdrop that accompanied the music. It was a magical night – we all left with big smiles! How can the year get better?

Well, last weekend, it did. I was able to participate in the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance of Holst’s The Planets. OK, I wasn’t playing in the band, nor singing in the ethereal off-stage choir. Instead I was a guest expert providing some of the astronomical background to the work (and the astrological background — Holst actually wrote his suite to portray the nature of the planet’s astrological influence on us).

The CPO presents pre-concert talks at many of their performances, to a packed house in the lobby of the concert hall, for those who arrive early to catch the bonus offering. For half an hour, symphony musician Michael Hope (above) and I were able to regale the audience with chat about the connection between astronomy and music. The concerts were sell-outs. And we handed out about 1200 of our Galileo Moment souvenir cards.

The performance was marvelous and moving, backdropped with images and animations of the planets. What a way to promote astronomy. I know a lot of symphonies are presenting The Planets this year. Get involved if you can. Approach any of your local arts organizations — you may find them very receptive to any special astronomy event. It will be a great selling point for them and a memorable experience for you.