New 'Planets Odyssey' in Sky & Telescope Magazine

Daniel Perttu's "A Planets Odyssey" for Piano and Orchestra is the first musical triptik through the solar system since Gustav Holst's "The Planets", premiered in 1918. The concept was created by pianist Jeffrey Biegel, whereas the pianist plays the space traveler, taking the main themes through variations representing each planet. When Dr. Perttu consulted with Biegel about commissioning projects and how to formulate them, their conversation led to the creation of Biegel's idea through the musical gifts of Perttu.

On May 22nd, the Canton Symphony Orchestra with Music Director Gerhardt Zimmermann and pianist Biegel performed the World Premiere of "A Planets Odyssey" to a cheering and standing ovation from the enthralled audience. The premiere had been postponed three times since its original date, due to the Covid pandemic. To promote the project, Biegel approached many science writers since Dr. Perttu bases his planets on astronomy and the individual characteristic of each planet, which differs from the astrological and mythological manner used by Gustav Holst. The editors of Sky & Telescope magazine responded enthusiastically and published their story on their website and social media platforms on May 24. Biegel's thoughts about this project respect that music, based on the science, can be an additional educational means to teach young students and adults who may not be aware of the science and description of the planets in our solar system. Blending the music with the science is a unique way to learn and understand the nature of the planets.

https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/piano-concerto-on-the-planets-premieres/?fbclid=IwAR3GZ9trfq5x4ajboAYXjeJVRe4jfT5xMEByYn4aGzVNKdlC0QfsPUsPJ7w

Next performance: Flagstaff Symphony, Music Director Charles Latshaw, pianist Jeffrey Biegel; September 2022

Future performances to be announced shortly.

For more information about Daniel Perttu, please visit:

https://www.danielperttu.com/

https://www.westminster.edu/profile.cfm?perttude

For more information about Jeffrey Biegel, please visit:

https://jeffreybiegel.com/