Mount Wilson Observatory Presents: Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome featuring “Strings Attached!”

For Immediate Release:                                                                                                       August 20, 2024

Mount Wilson Observatory’s
Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome
Presents “Strings Attached!”
Featuring String Trios and Quartet with
Ambroise Aubrun, Kate Hamilton, Cécilia Tsan, and Allan Hon
Sunday, September 8, 2024

PASADENA, CA – Mount Wilson Observatory—the place where humankind discovered its place in the universe—is pleased to announce the fifth date in its Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome six-month series, to take place on Sunday, September 8, 2024. “Strings Attached!” will grace the observatory with its string trios and quartet, featuring the talents of Ambroise Aubrun (violin), Kate Hamilton (viola), and Cécilia Tsan (cello), and Allan Hon (cello), performing in the remarkable acoustics of the dome of the 100-inch telescope at the Observatory. The September concert will feature the works of Franz Schubert, Todd Mason, and Anton Arensky. The same concert will be offered twice: first at 3:00pm and again at 5:00pm.

Each year, the six-month series featuring classical or jazz programs, is thoughtfully curated by Artistic Director Cécilia Tsan (Principal Cellist, Long Beach Symphony). An artist reception with light fare and refreshments is offered between the performances. Tickets cost $60 each and are available for purchase online in advance (highly recommended) or at the door, given availability. For more information on the concert series, please visit https://www.mtwilson.edu/concerts, where tickets for this and future concerts are available.

The program will include String Trio in B Flat, D 47 by Franz Schubert, String Trio (2023), by Todd Mason, and String Quartet No.2, Op.35 for violin, viola and 2 cellos by Anton Arensky.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Ambroise Aubrun, Violin
Hailed as a “marvelous violinist” (France Musique) with “sensitive tone” (Pizzicato Magazine) and “tremendous ease, suppleness and beauty of sound” (Nice-Matin), violinist Ambroise Aubrun enjoys a career as a soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician. His albums for the Editions Hortus and Navona Records have embraced a wide range of repertoire from J.S Bach to Tanguy (b.1968) and received praise of the highest caliber (5 stars Pizzicato Journal, editor’s choice of France Musique, and a nomination for the 2021 International Classical Music Awards). His performances and albums have been broadcast on CBS, ABC, WFMT Chicago, France Musique, 3MBS Melbourne (Australia), Klara Radio (Belgium),WTUL New-Orleans, and KUSC Los Angeles. He has served as guest concertmaster of the Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra, the Las Vegas Philharmonic, and the International Chamber Orchestra of Puerto Rico, and is a regular guest of the Los Angeles Philharmonic violin sections. Aubrun is the winner of the Charles Oulmont Prize of the Fondation de France and laureate of the Langart Foundation in Switzerland. He is Associate Professor of Violin at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Aubrun plays a Matteo Goffriller violin, on a generous loan from the Langart Foundation. For more information, please visit: www.ambroiseaubrun.com.

Kate Hamilton, Viola
Kate Hamilton, violist, is described by Minnesota Public Radio as “hot viola playing, she uses her bow to draw out a rich stew of colors...and has a sound like liquid gold.” She enjoys an international career as Associate Professor of Viola at the University of Nevada—Las Vegas, and serves as Co-Director of the International Chamber Music Festival in Joao Pessoa, Brazil. Since 2019, she has been performing in the viola section of the Berlin Philharmonic at the Berlin Philharmonie Concert Hall under Sir Simon Rattle, Herbert Blomsteadt, Paavo Jarvi, and the final performances of Bernard Haitink with the Berlin Philharmonic. As a viola soloist, Hamilton has been featured with the Wuhan Philharmonic Orchestra (China) performing works of Max Bruch at the the Qintai Concert Hall, the Kansas City Civic Orchestra, Central Oregon Symphony, and the Chamber Orchestra of San Jose (Costa Rica). Recent chamber music performances include viola quintets with members of the Berlin Philharmonic in Leipzig, “Duo Novae” tour of New Zealand and Australia, and the Musica Maestri Series at the Milan Conservatory. In August 2024, Duo Novae was featured as soloists with the Festival Orchestra at the International Chamber Music Festival in Joao Pessoa, Brazil. For more information, please visit: www.unlv.edu/people/kate-hamilton.

Cécilia Tsan, Cello and Artistic Director
Praised by the Los Angeles Times for her “...uncompromising musical character and towering technique,” French born cellist Cécilia Tsan graduated from the Paris Conservatory summa cum laude and is a prizewinner at the Barcelona, Florence, and Paris International Competitions. An international soloist and chamber musician, she has recorded several CDs and hundreds of movie soundtracks in Hollywood. She serves as Principal Cello with Long Beach Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Master Chorale Orchestra.

In August 2024, Warner Classics will release a 2-CD set dedicated to the music of John Williams entitled John Williams Reimagined with Sara Andon, flute, Cécilia Tsan, cello and Simone Pedroni, piano. A vast array of his featured scores are arranged for flute, cello, and piano by Pedroni. The release will be preceded and followed by international concert tours featuring the trio. For more information, please visit: https://longbeachsymphony.org/musicians/cecilia-tsan

Allan Hon, Cello
Praised for his lush and robust sound, cellist Allan Hon enjoys a multi-faceted career, from concert recitalist to chamber and orchestra musician. He has performed in Asia, Europe, Canada, and North America. A prizewinner in many competitions, he is the cellist of the Zelter String Quartet. He has also performed with leading artists such as Nicholas McGegan, Yayoi Toda, and the Attacca String Quartet. Hon joined the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra as Associate Principal in 2022 and also serves as a substitute cellist for the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. Beyond classical music, Hon is also active in the studio scene (soundtracks for movies, television shows, and video games). He is also the cellist of the Videri String Quartet, with whom he has performed shows at major gaming conventions. Hon holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, where he studied with Desmond Hoebig, a Master of Music and Master of Musical Arts degree from the Yale School of Music, where he studied with Aldo Parisot, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the USC Thornton School of Music, where he studied with Andrew Shulman. When he is not playing the cello or partaking in musical activities, Hon loves exploring new places and looking for the next tastiest brew. For more information, please visit: www.instagram.com/allanplaysthecello.

Todd Mason, Composer
Todd Mason (b.1957), a Los Angeles native, received his master's in Composition from The Juilliard School, studying with David Diamond, Peter Mennin, and Elliott Carter. Mason received the Rodgers & Hammerstein Juilliard Scholarship, Juilliard's Marion Freschl Award for a composition for voice and orchestra, first place in the National Federation of Music Clubs composition contest, first place in the Lancaster Summer Arts Festival, and the ASCAP Young Composers award, presented by Aaron Copland.

Mason's orchestral works have been played by the Juilliard Orchestra, The Sofia Philharmonic in Bulgaria, the Budapest Philharmonic, and The Brno Philharmonic in the Czech Republic. His chamber works have become increasingly popular in concert halls and music festivals around the world. His Violin Concerto is now available on Apple Music Classical and other streaming. His requiem for full orchestra and chorus, called “Lux Æterna,” is being performed in Europe and the U.S. and Mason will be Composer-in-Residence at the Syros International Music Festival in Greece. His Chamber Suite recently won the First Place Award in the American String Teachers Association 75th Anniversary Composition Contest. Mason also offers a popular chamber music series in his West L.A. home, showcasing leading ensembles and premiering new works. For more information, please visit:  https://www.toddmasoncomposer.com.

THE LAST CONCERT OF THE 2024 SEASON:

Sunday, October 6
Trio Dinicu (Cabaret Tzigane): Luanne Homzy (violin), Tommy Davy (guitar), and Felix Kochendörfer (double bass). www.mtwilson.edu/events/concert100624

MOUNT WILSON OBSERVATORY
Since its founding in 1904 by astronomer and visionary George Ellery Hale, the research conducted at Mount Wilson Observatory has revolutionized our understanding of the Universe. Perched on top of Mount Wilson, a 5,710-foot peak in the San Gabriel Mountains near Pasadena, California, the Observatory boasts a rich history and significant contributions to science and the heritage of Los Angeles. The Observatory’s 100-inch Telescope—the world's largest telescope from 1917 to 1949—forever changed our understanding of the scale and nature of our Universe and deeply expanded human knowledge. This world-heritage class instrument, used by many of the greatest astronomers of the Twentieth Century, launched a revolution in astronomy that continues through today.

Mount Wilson Institute has independently operated and maintained the Mount Wilson Observatory since 1989 under a long-term agreement with the Carnegie Institution of Washington. The Observatory and grounds are open to the public to visit, and during the spring and summer months the Institute produces programs including observing sessions through the historic telescopes (the largest on the planet made available to the public), lectures, concerts, art exhibits, educational programs, and more. Many of these cultural offerings are presented inside the singular vaulted dome of the 100-inch Telescope.

PROCEEDS
All proceeds from ticketed events go to support Mount Wilson Institute in its mission to preserve, protect, and promote the Observatory and its scientific accomplishments.

THE VENUE
The 100-inch telescope is the instrument with which astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered our place in an expanding universe and deeply expanded human knowledge. The dome for the telescope—designed by seminal Chicago architect Daniel Burnham—is a 20th century temple to science whose acoustics rival the great cathedrals of Europe, a truly unique setting for this ambitious music series.

VISITING MWO
The gates to Mount Wilson’s campus open at 10:00am daily and close at 5:00pm in the spring and summer, and 4:00pm in the fall. Entrance to the grounds is free. Visitors can hike, gaze at the telescope domes and towers that dot the landscape, and take a look at historic Mount Wilson photos and letters in the Museum.

The Cosmic Café, located above the parking lot at the Observatory entrance, is open on weekends in the spring, summer, and fall, weather permitting. In addition to traditional menu items such as hot dogs, drinks, and snacks, the Café is offering various lunch and sweet treats from Little Flower Café.

LOCATION
Mount Wilson Observatory
100 Mt Wilson Circle Rd
Mount Wilson, CA 91023

On MWO’s website the “Map” page shows various SoCal routes to the 2 and 210 Freeways which feed into Angeles Crest Highway which goes to Red Box Road which then leads to Mount Wilson Circle Road.

PARKING
A U.S. Forest Service Adventure Pass is required to park at the Observatory, as it is located on U.S. Forest Service land. A day pass may be purchased at the Cosmic Cafe. The $5 day pass or a $30 dollar annual pass may be purchased at other locations around Los Angeles before heading up. Click here to go to the U.S. Forest Service website for more information about the $5 Adventure Pass and where to buy them. The Shell station in La Canada at the bottom of the Angeles Crest Highway should be selling them as well.

NOT ADA-COMPLIANT
Please be advised that access to the dome performances is via a 53-step staircase. There is no ADA-compliant access.

LINKS:

• Mount Wilson Observatory - https://www.mtwilson.edu
  
• Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome - https://www.mtwilson.edu/concerts
  
• September 8 Tickets - https://www.mtwilson.edu/events/concert090824
  
• MWO Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WilsonObs
  
• MWO Twitter – https://twitter.com/MtWilsonObs
  
• MWO Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mtwilsonobservatory
  
• MWO Images including Concert photos & flyers – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11nh_qBv8p53xYrQSF58MOVIWMowFP4PX?usp=sharing

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To request more information, photos, or to schedule an interview or request press passes, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Tejada at lynn@greengalactic.com or 213-840-1201.