Humans beings have been fascinated by the stars and planets in the night sky since time began.  Although Gustav Holst was thinking as much of astrology as astronomy in composing The Planets, the SSO’s new production will feature amazing pictures of planets and the universe on three screens suspended over the orchestra as the music is performed.

Regarding The Planets, Dan Fleisch quotes Albert Einstein when he said: “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.  It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science.”   This production will combine the wonder of music and science in a spectacular exploration of our universe.  This is a must-see performance!

Dr. Dan Fleisch, Wittenberg University Astronomy Professor, The Now Device and the SSO have developed this all-new multimedia presentation as part of the 10th season celebration of Peter Stafford Wilson with the Springfield Symphony.  Dr. Fleisch was recognized in 2010 as the Ohio Professor of the year, and his astronomy classes and presentations have been in demand for years.  The Now Device produced the American Made concert and the Westcott House Centennial Celebration Concert with the SSO.  Its media productions for Xbox, Getty Images, MSN, The Learning Channel and auto shows have been seen worldwide.  Additionally, actors from Springfield’s acting company StageWorks will present dramatic renderings of famous astronomy figures during the concert.

There will be a special Opening Notes presentation by Dr. Dan Fleisch in Kuss Auditorium at 7:15pm.  Dr. Fleisch will preview the photos that will be in the production.  The Springfield Youth Symphony Chamber Orchestra and String Ensemble will provide a Performance Prelude in the lobby at 7:15pm.  

For further information call 937-325-8100 or visit the SSO website at www.springfieldsym.org.   The concert sponsors are Tina and Plato Pavlatos and the Ohio Valley Medical Center, with special support from The Llewellyn Foundation.  Season sponsors are Jane Hollenbeck and the Springfield News-Sun.  The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Symphony with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.