While walking around Pasadena in recent weeks, you’ve probably noticed the A × S Festival banners. Pronounced ak-sis, this festival celebrates the frontiers of arts and sciences in Pasadena.
By Debra Penberthy
A very special Festival event is happening on Monday night at the Carnegie Observatories–An Evening of Pasadena-Inspired Astronomy and Music. 
The evening will begin with a lecture by two scientists from the Carnegie Observatories on the extensive discoveries in astronomy that have come out of Pasadena. Then, the SoCal composer and USC Thornton School of Music graduate Matthew Brown will bring us the premiere of his music composition inspired by his summer 2013 visit to the Mount Wilson Observatory. This chamber ensemble piece was commissioned by the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, where Dr. Brown is a faculty member. Titled Hand in Hand at the Edge of the Sky, it spans twelve movements that take the listener through both the real and mystical journeys that the composer experienced at the Observatory that day. I was able to take a sneak peak at the program notes that Dr. Brown wrote for this piece, in which he related the touching story behind his creation of Hand in Hand:
“Writing this piece was also very personal for me. That day on the mountain was also one of the last I spent with a woman I loved immeasurably, at a time when I felt our relationship was slipping away, yet when I also clung to hope that it would survive somehow. You will hear my heart as her hand took mine, the vistas we shared together, the soft rain that fell as we walked quietly through the trees, and even her own name, written forever in the stars. I think of this piece as a visual tone poem of my trip, and influenced by more universal themes. In both senses, it is a journey from the terrestrial to the astral, and beyond.”
On the eve of the premiere of this highly personal work, Dr. Brown told me about his mixed emotions, stating
It feels both exciting and terrifying. I had been thinking of the piece for so long, even before I wrote a note. I hope that I captured a small portion of my thoughts and feelings, and of this remarkable place that inspired the piece. I’m very thankful that it is actually becoming a reality—that alone is so often a rarity for a composer. So many ideas remain just that. I am also grateful to be collaborating with such wonderful musicians.
Full details for this FREE event are here.
Monday, September 29, 2014 7-9 PM
Location: Carnegie Observatories
This event will be held outside on the grass! Bring a blanket to sit on, and a light sweater or jacket.
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