Mount Wilson Observatory Presents: Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome featuring Rogue Lemon Collective

Mount Wilson Observatory’s
Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome
Will Present a Unique String Performance with
Rogue Lemon Collective
Featuring Members Eleanor Dunbar, Megan Shung, Rita Andrade, Zack Reaves, and Jules Levy, Plus Special Guest Ebony Loren
Sunday, August 11, 2024

PASADENA, CA – Mount Wilson Observatory—the place where humankind discovered its place in the universe—is pleased to announce the fourth date in its Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome six-month series, to take place on Sunday, August 11, 2024. Los Angeles-based ensemble Rogue Lemon Collective will grace the observatory with a unique string performance, featuring the talents of Eleanor Dunbar (violin), Megan Shung (violin), Rita Andrade (viola), Zack Reaves (cello), Jules Levy (bass), and special guest Ebony Loren (singer-songwriter), performing in the remarkable acoustics of the dome of the 100-inch telescope at the Observatory. The August concert will feature Rogue Lemon Collective’s own original songs and innovative arrangements of classical, pop, rock, and film music compositions. 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.

About the Program
The program will include an eclectic selection of classical, film, and contemporary popular compositions performed in an innovative and distinctive style. Rogue Lemon Collective blends classical training with eclectic improvisation and contemporary influences. The concerts will also feature guest singer-songwriter Ebony Loren, adding an extra layer of musical magic to the performances.

About the Artists
Rogue Lemon Collective, based in Los Angeles, is a collective of classically trained string musicians offering a fresh perspective in the world of music. Their current members include Eleanor Dunbar (violin), Megan Shung (violin), Rita Andrade (viola), Zack Reaves (cello) and Jules Levy (bass). Straying from traditional expectations, the ensemble explores a diverse range of genres, crafting arrangements and original compositions that showcase their versatility. With a foundation in classical training, the Collective members channel their expertise into performances that blend innovation with technical prowess. Full artist bios can be viewed here.

Rogue Lemon Collective's music can be found on popular streaming platforms, where their recordings resonate with a unique fusion of classical and contemporary influences. Beyond their instrumental prowess, the Collective actively collaborates with a variety of non-classical artists. Recent notable collaborations include recordings with singer-songwriter Ebony Loren, guitarist Anthony Plant, and pianist/accordionist Ryan Whyman.

The name “Rogue Lemon” encapsulates their fearless approach, adding a fresh twist to the ordinary. It symbolizes a commitment to redefining the boundaries and perceptions of string music and reflects the group's bold and unexpected style. Known for their dynamic approach, Rogue Lemon Collective often incorporates improvisation in their performances, adding an extra layer of spontaneity to their musical journey. In each performance, they invite audiences to witness the intersection of classical training, contemporary expression, and the creative energy of improvisation. For more information, visit www.roguelemoncollective.com.

Cécilia Tsan, 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.

As the Artistic Director of the Mount Wilson Observatory music series Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome, Ms. Tsan produces chamber music and jazz concerts every summer. For more information, visit: https://longbeachsymphony.org/musicians/cecilia-tsan

THE REMAINING CONCERTS IN THE 2024 SEASON:
September 8 - https://www.mtwilson.edu/events/concert090824
String Trios and Quartet: Ambroise Aubrun (violin), Kate Hamilton (viola), Cécilia Tsan (cello) and Allan Hon (cello) playing works by Schubert, Mason, and Arensky.

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

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
August 11 Tickets - https://www.mtwilson.edu/events/concert081124/
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/1-hLVLdrzxIf1e7UgxUsT8AjQigfWSfBq?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.