University United Methodist Church, 150 East Franklin St, Chapel Hill
Songs of Celestial Spheres features music and poetry inspired by the sun, moon, and stars, spanning numerous cultures, languages, historical periods, and musical styles. This repertoire illumines the emotional complexities of life, death, power, and love as expressed through metaphors of these luminous orbs.
“Yours is the light by which my spirit’s born: – you are my sun, my moon, and all my stars.” E. Cummings
The mysteries of the cosmos have long inspired scientists, storytellers, poets, artists, musicians, philosophers, religious leaders, explorers – virtually all of humankind from the earliest days of recorded history to the present – to gaze upward and wonder.
Modern scientists have provided us with increasing amounts of knowledge about the solar system, most spectacularly with the first images transmitted from the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope. These images give us a startlingly clear picture of the early universe, showing some of the first galaxies and stars – the dawn of time.
The light of the sun sustains the earth and all living creatures. Reflecting the sun’s light, the moon in many ways shapes the rhythms of life on Earth. Stars radiate light, providing points of navigation, and are consistent timekeepers. Astronomer Carl Sagan said, “We are a way for the universe to know itself. Some part of our being knows this is where we came from. We long to return. And we can because the cosmos is also within us. We’re made of star stuff.”
Laura Sam, Artistic Director | Deborah Hollis, Pianist
Tickets ($20 adult, $10 student)
