By Jordan Green
BAY CITY— As Michigan endures the bitter months, Delta College’s Planetarium offers the community live music under a starry sky — a tranquil and unique experience in the Dome360 theatre.
The Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra Percussion group filled the dome with music that was in sync with the visuals projected, each with its own theme — exploring the Milky Way and outer space through graphic art and intricate designs.
Members of the percussion group were Eric Baldwin, Jason Thnat, Timothy Mocny and John Dorsey.
Dorsey led the group. The music selection for the night was challenging, harmonious and multicultural.
The group performed their takes on “Imagine There Was Nothing” by composer Fredrik Anderson, “Postludes No. 6 & No. 8” by Elliot Cole, “Akadinda Trio” by Emmanuel Sejourne, “Tink” by Alan Koewn and “Rain Tree” by Toru Takemitsu.
For “Imagine There Was Nothing”, constellations from the never-ending loop of galaxies within galaxies stretched across the dome. Toward the end of the song, an explosion from the Sun decimates the Earth. As the dust particles of Earth travel through space, the particles emerge from the engine of a spaceship — alluding to the notion that we are just a tiny speck of dust in space.
Mike Murray, astronomer and manager of the Planetarium, says it was the first time live music was incorporated into a show. The dome theatre holds 140 people. Both shows for the night were sold out.
“We have a wide variety of shows,” says Murray. “They’re not just for children — there are a lot of adult public shows.”
Murray says the Planetarium is hoping to incorporate more live music shows and music shows in general.
In February, the Planetarium is showing “Mesmerica 360: A Visual Music Journey,” based on James Hood’s music and album. All shows are sold out. Murray added that there will be more showings for popular events like this.
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, Feb 6 – Phantom of the Universe @ 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 7 – The Pale Blue Dot: The 30th Anniversary @ 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 8 – Edge of Darkness @ 7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 13 – Phantom of the Universe @ 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 14 – Mesmerica 360: A Visual Music Journey @ 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 15 – Edge of Darkness @ 7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 20 – Phantom of the Universe @ 7 p.m.
