Exploring the universe with Schubert’s Symphony No. 9

The Orchestra di Padova e del Veneto (OPV), in collaboration with the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), presented the concert “Sinfonia del cosmo”, merging Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 with stunning images of the universe captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. This event offered a unique fusion of classical music and science, taking the audience on an emotional journey through the wonders of the cosmos.


The Orchestra di Padova e del Veneto (OPV), conducted by Marco Angius, recently hosted an extraordinary event titled “Sinfonia del cosmo” (Symphony of the Cosmos), a harmonious blend of art and science. Introduced by astronomer Simone Zaggia, the performance was in collaboration with the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), and featured a powerful combination of Schubert’s monumental Symphony No. 9 and awe-inspiring visuals of the universe. These stunning images, captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, were reimagined by VIS and projected onto a large screen, creating a captivating multisensory experience.

The concert took place at the Pollini Auditorium in Padova, where the audience was transported on a journey through space. As the symphony’s notes filled the auditorium, high-definition visuals of distant galaxies, nebulae, and other cosmic phenomena played on the large screen, offering a visual counterpart to the music and evoking a profound appreciation of the universe’s vastness and beauty.

This initiative exemplifies the remarkable synergy between cultural and scientific institutions, demonstrating how their collaboration can create impactful and educational events. Both OPV and INAF showcased how music and science, when combined, can deepen the public’s understanding and appreciation of both fields.

The OPV’s artistic director expressed great satisfaction with the success of the event, highlighting the importance of innovation in presenting classical music to modern audiences. Representatives from INAF also noted how events like this can bring complex scientific topics, such as astronomy, closer to the general public in an accessible and inspiring way.

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