The Beginner’s Guide to Space Travel

Premiered by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in Columbus, IN on June 4th, 2023

Winner of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra Composition Competition 2023

Performed by the New Conductor’s Orchestra in New York, NY on February 24th and 25th, 2024

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The Beginner’s Guide to Space Travel depicts a fictional voyage to Venus during a global volcanic eruption in the planet’s ancient past. Approximately 500 million years ago, scientists estimate a planet-wide resurfacing event occurred on Venus, erasing all impact craters and covering the Venusian surface with a new coat of smooth crust. Imagine every volcano in the world erupting at once—that’s the idea.

However, volcanoes on provide more for Venus than just an explosive makeover. In fact, the primordial eruptions may hold the key to present-day microbial life hiding in the planet’s atmosphere. In September 2020, scientists observed potential evidence of the gas phosphine produced by biological processes, suggesting the possibility of microorganisms surviving in the clouds of Venus. Where would this life get its nutrients? Volcanoes spouting organic matter skyward could hold the key.

The Beginner’s Guide to Space Travel imagines fictional humans traveling to Venus to witness these volcanic eruptions and Venusian aliens. The piece rockets and ricochets with brass and percussion, breathes life with its facile winds and bluesy melodies, and threatens destruction with a biting rhythmic drive to the fiery climax.

Difficulty: Hard | Duration: 5 minutes

Piccolo

2 Flutes

2 Oboes

English Horn

2 Clarinets in B-flat

Bass Clarinet

2 Bassoons

Contrabassoon

4 Horns in F

3 Trumpets in C

2 Tenor Trombones

Bass Trombone

Tuba

Timpani (+Suspended Cymbal*)

2 Percussion

1: Whip, Tam-tam, Snare Drum, Thundersheet

2: Xylophone, Splash Cymbal, Bass Drum

  *Note: Susp. Cymbal for special effect on timpani

Piano

Harp

Strings