Overview

In a celebration of our solar system, we honor the 150th anniversary of Gustav Holst’s birth with a performance of his symphonic masterpiece. This cosmic journey is complemented by a brand-new composition from Colorado resident and CU alum John Heins, inspired by the moons of Saturn, Jupiter, and Neptune. Our performance marks the world premiere of Heins’ work, adding a contemporary exploration to an evening that transcends time and space.

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Beyond the Performance

150 BIRTH ANNIVERSARY |
GUSTAV HOLST

Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” stands as a monumental achievement in orchestral music, captivating audiences with its vivid portrayal of the astrological characters of the solar system. Each movement, from the ominous “Mars, the Bringer of War” to the ethereal “Neptune, the Mystic,” showcases Holst’s extraordinary talent for orchestration and thematic development. This suite not only revolutionized early 20th-century classical music with its innovative use of harmony and rhythm but also left an indelible mark on popular culture and film scoring. Holst’s “The Planets” remains a timeless testament to his genius, continually inspiring and enchanting listeners with its cosmic grandeur and emotional depth.

COLORADO COMPOSER |
JOHN HEINS

Heins, a distinguished Colorado composer, has garnered acclaim for his innovative and evocative compositions that often draw inspiration from nature and mythology. His work “Moons of the Giants” exemplifies his unique ability to blend orchestral richness with thematic storytelling, taking listeners on a celestial journey through the mythical moons of ancient giants. The composition’s vivid orchestration and dynamic structure reflect Heins’ skill in creating immersive soundscapes that captivate the imagination and evoke the grandeur of cosmic legends. Through “Moons of the Giants,” Heins continues to solidify his reputation as a visionary in contemporary classical music..

UP NEXT |
FROM THE NEW WORLD

Virtuoso violinist Tessa Lark joins us on January 12, 2025 with Torke’s Sky, which was written for her, and received a Grammy and Pulitzer nomination. It blends Copland-like Americana with wisps of Appalachian fiddle music. It shares the program with two other works inspired by American landscapes. Stephen Lias is an ‘adventurer-composer’ who has been composer-in-residence at a dozen US National Parks, including Rocky Mountain and Great Sand Dunes, both in Colorado. LEARN MORE