At one time we had three troopers for this event. One cancelled, one did not show.
During the Star Wars suite, specifically the Emperors march, I marched down the Right aisle way. The lights brightened as people began to realize who was there.
I stood at the bottom of the stairs observed the crowd, then ascended the stairs and stood next to the screen. The screen was showing amazing HD time lapse video of planetariums as stars were racing by.
Near the end of the song, I marched across the stage, thanked (waved to) the Orchestra and left the stage at the end of the song.
I waited in the lobby for intermission, then took photos with the people there.
It would have been great to have more characters to send during the various songs.
TK2712 John Talbert
Featuring Gustav Holst’s groundbreaking masterpiece The Planets accompanied by a spectacular film produced by Emmy award nominated astronomer and visual artist, Dr. Jose Francisco Salgado, this event is made possible with special arrangement from KV 265. Continuing the intergalactic theme, the evening will also include John William’s beloved Star Wars Suite .
English composer Gustav Holst’s The Planets, Op. 32, is a seven-movement orchestral suite written between 1914 and 1916. Each movement of the suite is named after a planet of the solar system and its corresponding astrological character as defined by Holst. GAMAC’s performance of this masterpiece will combine science and music with Holst’s score and spectacular film footage of the solar system from NASA and the European Space Agency as well as historical illustrations. Taking audiences on a journey through outer space to each planet, the Sun and beyond, this Science & Symphony film is renowned for its finely tuned choreography with the music which creates a stunning artistic experience. As film creator Dr. Jose Francisco Salgado explains, “The film is not intended to be seen as a documentary, but rather as an art piece that aims to inspire and encourage audiences to learn more about our solar system and the Universe. It serves as a synthesis of what humans have achieved as space explorers.”
This program is made by special arrangement with KV 265, a non-profit organization with a mission to communicate science through art to communities throughout the United States and abroad. Under Dr. Salgado’s leadership as executive director, the organization seeks to heighten appreciation and understanding of visual art, music, science and technology while inspiring deeper engagement in the arts through multimedia concerts, lectures and educational workshops. KV 265’s Science & Symphony films have been presented in more than 100 performances reaching 250,000 people worldwide.
In keeping with the evening’s theme, GAMAC Orchestra conductor, Alex Spainhour has paired Holst’s work with John Williams’ iconic Star Wars Suite. Featuring music from the beloved films, audiences are sure to recognize Darth Vader’s Theme, Princess Leia’s Theme and Yoda’s Theme along with other highlights from the film scores. “With Star Wars VII- The Force Awakens opening in theatres in December, we thought this would be the perfect time to celebrate these wonderful characters in concert,” said Spainhour. “This entire performance is perfect for families and a chance to let the imagination soar,” he said.
To purchase tickets to Science & Symphony: The Planets please call the GAMAC office at (864) 231-6147. Prices are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Seating is by general admission. While tickets will be sold at the door, advance reservations are advised. This program is made possible with generous sponsorship from The Duke Energy Foundation, Mr. & Mrs. Harold Gilbert, Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Gurley, Ms. Margaret C. Herndon, Mr. & Mrs. John Miller and Mr. & Mrs. Robert Rainey. Additional support is provided in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support in part from the National Endowment for the Arts.
