“When you add the awe-inspiring vision of a rising full moon, the effect can transform your outlook on life.”
“The ‘Rising of the Flower Moon’ will be an evening of lunar meditations, classical piano music and telescope viewing,” said Koerner, a retired NAU professor and FDSC member, who also performs musical astronomy concerts on Grand Canyon river trips and will present talks and concerts at North and South Rims as the Grand Canyon’s Astronomer in Residence for Fall 2024.
“The poet Paul Verlaine said that the moon ‘makes the birds dream in the trees.’ Such sentiments inspired musical strains that heighten our response to moonlight,” said Koerner. “When you add the awe-inspiring vision of a rising full moon, the effect can transform your outlook on life.”
The evening will feature eight musical compositions, beginning with Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight’ sonata, sprinkling in pieces by Chopin, Debussy, Ravel and Bartok and concluding with a nocturne on the planet Venus composed by Koerner, influenced by Gustav Holst.
Koerner, who is known for his lively narrations accompanying stargazing events that often include ancient myths and pre-scientific views along with the latest understanding of planets and the universe, will preface musical selections with cultural and scientific remarks to enhance the lunar viewing experience.
The Flower Moon is named for the full moon at the time of year when flowers typically bloom across North America. The Algonquin people of eastern Canada are credited with the nickname. Other Native people call May’s full moon the Leaf Budding Moon and Egg Laying Moon for natural processes of the season.
The ARTx: Art + Ideas Experience Arizona will offer 100 art-centered events around Flagstaff, May 17-26. “The festival is a celebration designed to promote awareness and enthusiasm for creative work across all ages and demographics,” said ARTx Festival Director Julie Sokol. “It is an opportunity to showcase outstanding creative practices and participate in Flagstaff’s creative culture.”
Meanwhile, more dark skies events are being planned to occur during the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition’s Celebration of the Night, from September through mid-October, kicking off with support from the Downtown Business Alliance at the First Friday Art Walk, Sept. 6. Downtown businesses and galleries will feature themes of the night sky. Also, telescopes will be set up and stargazing will be encouraged on Heritage Square.
The popular Flagstaff Star Party is scheduled for Sept. 26-28 at Buffalo Park, coinciding with the Flagstaff Festival of Science. “This is a wonderful time for people of all ages to visit with astronomers and look through more than two dozen high-powered telescopes positioned on star clusters, planets and moons in our fascinating Milky Way Galaxy,” said Chris Luginbuhl, an astronomer and member of the FDSC executive board. “We often see more than 1,000 people each night at the Star Party, experiencing the universe through Flagstaff’s dark and clear autumn skies.” FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
For more information, visit flagstaffdarkskies.org.
Courtesy Photo: Astronomer and musician David Koerner, Ph.D., will be taking his grand piano to Buffalo Park this month for a free outdoor concert, “Rising of the Flower Moon.”
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