Mt. Wilson Observatory Presents Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome Near Pasadena

On Sunday, July 9, Mt. Wilson Observatory presents the second in the summer series of special concerts inside the 100-inch Telescope Dome on Mount Wilson above Pasadena. The 100-inch telescope is the instrument with which astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered our place in an expanding universe and so expanded our comprehension. This is a 20th century edifice to science whose acoustics rival the great cathedrals of Europe.

Albert Einstein wrote that, “There exists a passion for comprehension, just as there exists a passion for music.” This extraordinary venue energizes the passion for music.

On Sunday, July 9, a string duo will perform compositions by Haendel-Halvorsen, Zoltan Kodaly and Reinhold Glière.

The featured artists are: Cécilia Tsan, Principal Cello for the Long Beach Symphony, also series Artistic Director, and Ben Powell, violin. Two performances of the same program are scheduled for 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

There will be a reception with the artists following each performance. In addition, concert-goers will be treated to an exhibition featuring rare scientific artifacts, drawings and illustrations.

Tickets for these concert events may be purchased on line at https://www.mtwilson.edu/concerts/. All proceeds go to support the Mt. Wilson Institute in its mission to preserve, protect and promote the Observatory and the science accomplished there.

About the Artists:

Cecilia Tsan, Cello

“Uncompromising musical character and a towering technique… In the breadth of her virtuosity and the charisma of her musical personality, Tsan made this work her own” (Daniel Cariaga/ LA Times/ Hayden D Major Cello Concerto) Tsan is a prizewinner at the Barcelona, Florence and Paris International competitions. She has toured throughout the world as a soloist and as a chamber musician. Currently Principal Cellist with the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, Tsan has also served as Principal Cello for a number of Southern California orchestras. She also maintains a busy recording schedule for records, film and television programs.

Ben Powell, Violin

Ben Powell stands among a select few musicians as one of the leading multi-stylistic improvising violinists of his generation. He has recorded and performed classical, jazz and popular music with ensembles around the world. His ability to play classically at the highest level combined with is ability to improvise cross-genres make him an extremely versatile and sought after first call musician for live performances and for studio work. Ben also regularly performs chamber music concerts in the UK with his father David Powell, a cellist with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

For more on the musicians, visit the artists’ websites: www.ceciliatsan.com and www.ben-powell.com.

Captions:

1- Pictured is the flyer for the summer concert. – Courtesy photo

2 – Pictured is the 100” Hooker Telescope located in the telescope dome at Mt. Wilson Observatory in the San Gabriel Mountains. The dome will be the site of a new concert series featuring classical music in a unique acoustical environment. – Courtesy photo / Van Webster

3 – Cecilia Tsan, featured cello musician. – Courtesy photo

4 – Ben Powell, featured violin musician. – Courtesy photo

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