Orkney International Science Festival: Ursa Minor

Description

North in the night sky lies the Little Bear, with its tail tip the bright North Star Polaris. This evening we view the constellation from two perspectives.

Composer Stuart MacRae introduces a filmed performance of his quintet Ursa Minor, performed by the Hebrides Ensemble for Delphian Records and recorded by foxbrushfilms. Astronomer Dr Anne-Marie Weijmans of the University of St Andrews describes the constellation and tells the stories of some of its most remarkable stars, such as how the ageing orange star Kochab lost its position as North Star to Polaris, and how the neutron star Calvera got its name. She plays the oboe and leads the programme Shine, which explores light and its use in astronomical research through science, art and music.

Duration: 1 hour
Location: Kirkwall Theatre (in Kirkwall Grammar School)
Hosted by: Jo Durrant
Audience: approximately 30 people

Stuart MacRae is described by Gramophone magazine as ‘one of Scotland’s most innovative composers’ and his music has the clarity of a Highland stream near his native Inverness, and the stillness and calm of the night sky overhead.

Period	6 Sept 2024
Held at	Orkney Science Festival, United Kingdom
Degree of Recognition	Regional