The installation of the iconic artwork at Chichester Cathedral (from 19 October to 1o November) aligned with the celebration of Gustav Holst’s 150th anniversary. Holst’s ashes are interred at the Cathedral, and so the inclusion of the opening movement of his The Planets suite felt a natural fit in paying homage to the great composer.
Holst was a close friend of the BSO’s founder, Sir Dan Godfrey, and the first performance of his Cotswold Symphony was performed at the Winter Gardens in Bournemouth in 1902, with Holst himself watching on.
Mars, the Bringer of War is the visionary opening scene of the composer’s masterpiece, The Planets. He composed the piece in anticipation of World War I, and it features an unusual march format and dramatic opening movement which works itself into a frightening frenzy. Holst’s deep love of astronomy was also a source of inspiration for the series of pieces based upon the planets of the solar system. The work became so popular during Holst’s lifetime that it propelled the composer to rock star status!
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in concert at Chichester Cathedral, beneath Luke Jerram’s Mars art installation
Measuring seven meters in diameter, Luke Jerram’s Mars installation features detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface. Suspended in the air, the artwork allows the viewer to examine every valley, crater, volcano and mountain, allowing us to imagine what it’s like to step foot on this incredible planet. Artist Luke Jerram, who created the piece, intends it to “prompt visitors to think about our planet as an incredibly beautiful and precious place” in comparison to the “inhospitable reality of Mars”.
What a setting and backdrop for Holst’s incredible piece of music, and a befitting moment to celebrate the anniversary of this iconic British composer.
If you’d like to watch our opening season featuring the entire The Planets suite, you can view our Digital Concert here, available until 2 November