“Mars Symphony” this summer at the Museum of Science Planetarium

Mars Symphony is a symphony of science celebrating the past, present and future of the red planet, unfolded through the universal language of music. It is a collaboration between NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Museum of Science, Boston and Multiverse Concert Series. MMTA Board Member and Commissioned Composer (2022) David Ibbett’s score reveals the music of Mars in a groundbreaking planetarium experience, with live orchestra from Multiverse Concert Series at the Charles Hayden Planetarium.

Phase 1 of the project took place in August 2023, premiering two movements of music in a historic orchestral concert in the Blue Wing of the Museum of Science, performed by the Firebird Pops Orchestra and Multiverse Soloists. In Phase 2, the project moves to the planetarium, premiering in the Charles Hayden Planetarium Boston in 2024 before embarking on a national tour.

Immerse yourself in the real sounds of Mars’ winds, dust devils and seismic rumbles, joined by orchestral melodies created from data collected from the Red Planet and stunning visuals from the Charles Hayden Planetarium. As with every Multiverse collaboration, the show is informed by a robust science team, incorporating cutting-edge research and audio from the Perseverance Rover and Webb Space Telescope. Featuring Narration from Dr. Laurie Leshin of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Through its unique blend of live music and science, Mars Symphony charts an interplanetary journey through the past, present, and future of the red planet. As we follow the development of rocketry and robotic missions of this present moment - humanity’s dream of reaching Mars seems almost a reality. Will our generation be the first to reach the red planet, and could Mars be home to life beyond Earth?

Submitted by David Ibbett

MMTA Board Member and Commissioned composer David Ibbett