While it's becoming increasingly common for certain billionaires to voyage into outer space on the regular, the expanses of the galaxy remain confined to imagination for most of us — and that's perhaps for the best. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra are here to help inspire our fanciful intergalactic travels with upcoming performances of Gustav Holst's celebrated orchestral suite The Planets.
Written by the English composer between 1914 and 1917, The Planets has seven movements, including "Mars" — which served as not only the source material for John Williams when composing Darth Vader's theme, "The Imperial March," for Star Wars, but was also adapted and performed by the original lineup of prog rock band King Crimson. Every movement of the suite is named after a corresponding planet, embodying the celestial character of each.
On February 26 and 27, as well as March 1, acclaimed British conductor Thomas Adès will lead the TSO through the solar system at Roy Thomson Hall, in addition to presenting two of his own works: "Paradiso" (Part III) from Dante, and the Canadian premiere of his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra.
Tickets for each of the performances are on sale now here, and you can find more information on the TSO website.