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Fri, Mar 8 - Discovery and Breakthrough

  • Sanders Theatre 45 Quincy Street Cambridge, MA, 02138 United States (map)

Friday, March 8, 2024 | 7:30 PM Concert; 6:45pm Pre-Concert Panel
Sanders Theatre, Harvard University

  • — Gretchen Cook-Anderson, Executive Director, Ignite, Lab Central

    — Elena Spencer, President, WEST Board of Directors and Co-founder, President & CEO, Kendall Square Orchestra

    — Meena Subramanyam, Vice President, Global Program Leader and and Portfolio Lead, Immune Cell Engagers, Takeda

    — Francine Trester, Professor, Berklee College of Music

    — Jo Viney, CEO, President, Cofounder, Seismic Therapeutic

    — Kelly Clark, Vice President, Head of R&D Strategic Planning & Operations, Dewpoint Therapeutics and Co-founder, CFO & pianist, Kendall Square Orchestra, Moderator

7:30pm Program

GRAZYNA BACEWICZ
Overture

FRANCINE TRESTER
In Her Element (World Premiere)

AMY BEACH
Symphony in E minor, “Gaelic”


ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The world of music and science are realms filled with wonder, constantly evolving through the theme of "discovery and breakthrough". This International Women’s Day, we have programmed a special concert to celebrate this intertwining of fields by featuring compositions from exceptional women in music. Among these are the world premiere of Francine Trester's "In Her Element," Grazyna Bacewicz's powerful "Overture," and Amy Beach's stunning "Symphony In E Minor, 'Gaelic.'"

Each composition in this program encapsulates the spirit of "discovery and breakthrough." Bacewicz's "Overture," for example, radiates strength and technical brilliance, reflecting her determination to craft music that captivates and challenges. Amy Beach’s “Gaelic” Symphony, on the other hand, showcases her pioneering spirit by infusing elements of her heritage into a sound that is simultaneously familiar and groundbreaking.

The pinnacle of the concert is the world premiere of Francine Trester's "In Her Element," a piece inspired by and dedicated to the women in sciences who changed the world: Lise Meitner, Rosalind Franklin, Patricia Bath, and Jocelyn Bell Burnell. Trester’s innovative confluence of music, science, and storytelling not only pays homage to these incredible women but also narrates their journey through original text, vocal soloists, and orchestral music.

"In Her Element" is not just a musical composition; it is a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the groundbreaking contributions of women in science. It tells the stories of women who, despite facing numerous challenges, persevered and made significant contributions to physics, chemistry, and medicine. Their narratives are woven into the music, creating a bridge between music and science and inviting the audience to be part of their journey.

The Kendall Square Orchestra (K2O), which is composed of musicians from over 40 local science and technology companies and academic institutions, embodies the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and inspiration.

This concert is a celebration of the indomitable spirit of women in music and science, a tribute to their innovative contributions, and an inspiration for future generations to overcome challenges and make their own discoveries and breakthroughs. The works of Francine Trester, Grazyna Bacewicz, and Amy Beach serve as a reminder that music and science are not just fields of study, but a journey of discovery, resilience, and innovation that can change the world.

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Sat, June 8 - Victory and Peace