Origins2017

WORLD PREMIERE
Commissioned and presented by Aarhus Symphony Orchestra, Århus Sinfonietta, Aarhus Sommeropera, Aarhus Jazz Orchestra and Aarhus 2017

Where does the universe come from and how does it end? How did life begin and how did it evolve? How can we conquer space and will we find life out there when we do? How do we react to scientific discoveries that unsettle our view of our world? These questions are central to the four magnificent and inspiring works that make up Origins2017.

Origins2017 demonstrates the power of contemporary classical music to convey the emotional depth of our quest to unlock the mysteries of existence. The performances of Origins2017 will invite the audience to experience the intensity of the scientific journey, to discover and to understand the creation and evolution of our cosmos. By mixing music, storytelling, and visualisation, the transcendent power of science in all its beauty is unlocked and enhanced.

Origins2017 comprises a series of commissions. Four new works written by Danish composer Niels Marthinsen, inspired by astrophysics and evolutionary biology. The Big Band symphony celebrates the solar system and the conquest of space in Solar Walk. A Universe from Nothing (title inspired by Lawrence Krauss) is performed as a chorus to evoke the beginning and end of the universe. EVOLUTION!, an oratory performing the beginning and development of life, and an opera, DARWIN, inspired by the famous evolutionary scientist and his own experiences with science, ethics, and, yes, love.

The Origins2017 ensembles are: Aarhus Sommeropera, Aarhus Symphony Orchestra, Aarhus Jazz Orchestra, and Århus Sinfonietta and Vokalensemblet GAIA.

UNIVERSE FROM NOTHING
DATE
5th, 7th, 29th and 30th April

VENUE
Aarhus and Copenhagen

AUDIENCE
Everyone

DARWIN
DATE
29th August – 8 th September

VENUE
Helsingør Theater, Den Gamle By, Aarhus

AUDIENCE
Everyone

EVOLUTION!
DATE
28th – 29th September

VENUE
Musikhuset Aarhus

AUDIENCE
Everyone

SOLAR WALK
DATE
27th October – 4th November

VENUE
Viborg, Aarhus and Copenhagen

AUDIENCE
Everyone