THE MOONS SYMPHONY transforms decades of planetary exploration into a breathtaking orchestral and cinematic journey. Inspired by real space missions and created in collaboration with leading planetary scientists and astronauts, it invites audiences on an unforgettable journey through the Solar System.
Each movement unveils the beauty, mystery, and interconnectedness of these extraordinary worlds before culminating in an emotional tribute to our own planet, inspired by the iconic perspective of Earthrise.
A cinematic journey through our Solar System
New Worlds to Explore
Hear their stories.
Discover their secrets.
Listen to Marin Alsop describe how music, science, and space unite in a story that spans the solar system in THE MOONS SYMPHONY
Chicago Symphony
Ravinia Music Magazine wrote:
“Sometimes an idea is so inspired, so perfect, you have to wonder: How did this not exist before? Now there’s a new work of genius to elevate into this class:
THE MOONS SYMPHONY composed by Amanda Lee Falkenberg”
Placing THE MOONS SYMPHONY alongside the revolutionary artistry of
Mozart’s Don Giovanni and the cinematic impact of The Wizard of Oz.
★★★★★
Photo: Patrick Gipson
the story behind the music
What happens when a composer, a symphony orchestra, and a team of
planetary scientists unite around one question
What if the moons could speak?
THE MOONS SYMPHONY is the result of this bold collaboration. A visionary work of music inspired by the real science of our solar system’s most enigmatic moons.
Conceived by award-winning composer Amanda Lee Falkenberg, this multi-movement symphony brings together NASA data, cinematic visuals, and choral grandeur to awaken a deeper curiosity about the universe.
Falkenberg’s journey began not with a telescope, but with a piano
Her transition from concert pianist to composer led her from ballet studios and film scoring stages to the heart of cosmic storytelling. With THE MOONS SYMPHONY, she invites
listeners on a voyage through space, science, and the soul.
The Collaborators
Meet the conductor, the scientists, and the astronaut who helped shape this journey
This cinematic piece is the result of a rare collaboration between the worlds of music, space science, and human exploration.
These visionaries helped shape the story you’re about to experience.
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Johns Hopkins APL
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Planetary geologist and Principal Investigator of the Dragonfly mission to Titan, Dr. Turtle’s expertise directly informed the third movement. She appeared live in Chicago, joining the cast on stage in celebration of music and planetary exploration.
Dr. Zibi Turtle
Dragonfly Mission
Titan
NASA | JPL
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A Voyager mission scientist and spaceflight architect, Dr. Spilker contributed foundational insights to Miranda, the focus of Movement 5. He brought the story to life on stage at Chicago’s Breaking Barriers Festival, supporting the symphony’s message of exploration.
Dr. Thomas Spilker
Voyager | Cassini
Titan | Enceladus | Miranda
Planetary Radio Society
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As host of Planetary Radio, Mat introduced the symphony to global audiences in 2021. He attended the LSO recording, authored the album sleeve notes, and presented the Ravinia Festival introduction, championing the project from its earliest days.
Mat Kaplan
Public Engagement
Panel Moderator
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NASA | JPL
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Cassini and Voyager scientist, Dr. Spilker helped shape the scientific narrative of Movement 4 – Enceladus. She has been a guiding force since the project's early days, connecting Amanda to NASA through a pivotal invitation to present at JPL in 2018.
Dr. Linda Spilker
Cassini | Voyager Mission
Titan, Enceladus, Miranda
Imperial College London
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Prof. Michele Dougherty is a leading physicist and Principal Investigator on the Cassini and JUICE missions. Her magnetometer’s detection of a mysterious signal at Enceladus inspired Movement 4. She supported the project’s debut at Imperial College and Chicago.
Prof. Michele Dougherty
Cassini | JUICE Mission
Enceladus
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Imperial College London
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As Director of Outreach at Imperial College London, Andrew led the first pilot of Amanda’s LUNAR program, attended by 700+ students. His support has been instrumental in positioning the symphony’s educational mission for global impact.
Andrew Tebbutt
Outreach Director
Supporter of LUNAR
THE MOONS SYMPHONY is a beautiful way to express the incredible science returned by missions like Cassini through music and to share that with the public. I found it very moving and inspirational!
Dr. Linda Spilker, Lead Scientist, Cassini and Voyager Mission NASA | JPL
IMPACT
Watch the
▶ Marin Alsop on THE MOONS
conducting experience
▶ Bill Nye introduces
THE MOONS SYMPHONY
Marin Alsop & Chicago Symphony Orchestra
THE MOONS Symphonic Suite
Ravinia Music Festival - July 2024
Reviews
★★★★★
This is a real one-off. A fully choral symphony depicting seven moons of our solar system... It succeeds because of (Falkenberg's) skills as a very experienced composer of film music and the extraordinary quality of the performance...
Choir and Organ
Once in a while, a new composition comes along and knock you right off your feet - the emotion, the breadth, the message gets its hooks in you and holds on.”
Limelight Feature
Megan Stellar
“Your text must be coherent and have a clear message. That’s what struck me first about Amanda’s writing – she is a very experienced composer and knows how to set words and construct the vocal lines.”
Ben Parry
- Director London Voices
This ambitious project is brought to life by a sizzling LSO and a gutsy London Voices…This is musical painting on an infectiously grand scale
BBC Music Magazine
The thematic elements have a very important part in the structure of the work, and they materialize with timbral beauty and a powerful and coherent expressiveness...
This is a captivating work, an exciting and emotional journey in tonal language, in which the author aspires to make her music serves as a reflection on who we are and where we are..
sonograma
The Moons Symphony immediately invites comparison with Holst's Planets, but it is a different beast: a choral work depicting seven moons with a wide range of behaviours right here in our solar system…“The MOONS SYMPHONY is a wonderfully evocative work that could equally grace concert halls or film scores
Music Files Ltd.
★★★★
Falkenberg’s passionate and creative adaptation of the film music genre is firmly embraced by the committed artistry of the London Symphony under Marin Alsop and the warm cohesion and crystalline diction of the London Voices…The Moons Symphony offers a precious and timely perspective on our own fragile planet that we would do well to heed
Limelight
★★★★½
This is music designed to grab the listener’s attention. It also happens to be right up the alley of conductor Marin Alsop, leading the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Voices; she builds a solid structure and keeps it moving along effectively
All Music
Kennedy Space Centre
50th Anniversary of Apollo 8 Celebration
Dec 21, 2018
NASA ISS Astronaut Nicole Stott
Abbey Road Studios June 4, 2022