Alexander Shelley conducts Star Wars & The Planets

Alexander Shelley conducts Star Wars & The Planets Embark on a cosmic journey that stretches from the far reaches of space to the silver screen, brought to you by the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland and the National Symphony Chorus Ireland, guided by conductor Alexander Shelley and chorus director David Young. The evening opens with Missy Mazzoli’s “Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres),” a piece lauded by the BBC as “music in the shape of the solar system,” drawing listeners into a hypnotic orbit that echoes the motion of planets and stars—and even nods to NASA’s successful Artemis II mission this year. Next, John Williams delivers an orchestral portrait of his iconic “Suite from Star Wars” in celebration of the film’s 50th anniversary, bringing the thrilling heroic themes straight to the concert hall. The program culminates with the grandeur of Gustav Holst’s “The Planets,” as each movement paints vivid astrological portraits and carries the audience on an unforgettable musical voyage across the solar system. Join us for this musical voyage of discovery into the cosmos. [Details & tickets]