Mount Wilson Observatory, the scientific marvel in the mountains above Pasadena, announces the return of Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome in an abbreviated season—two concerts, August 1 and September 5, 2021, both with two performances each—under the magnificent vaulted dome of the 100-inch telescope.

Past Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome (2018). Photo credit: Irina Logra.

As in the last three years of this series, Artistic Director Cécilia Tsan curates thoughtful musical adventures.  Esteemed performers for the August concert include Elissa Johnston, soprano, Ambroise Aubrun and Henry Gronnier, violins, Alma Fernandez, viola, and Cécilia Tsan, cello. The concert’s hour-long performances are at 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM (same program), with an artist reception, including refreshments, at 4:00 PM. In addition, concert-goers will be treated to an exhibition featuring unique astronomical artifacts, drawings, and photographs from the Observatory’s collection.

There are two performances –  3:00pm and 5:00pm; Seating inside the historic dome is limited. Tickets cost $50 each and are available for purchase in advance (highly recommended) or at the door, given availability. Concert attendees must be fully vaccinated. Children under age 12 are not permitted. Access to the dome performances is via a 53-step staircase. Mount Wilson Observatory sits at a mile-high elevation so the air is noticeably thinner. There is no ADA-compliant access. For more information on Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome, please visit https://www.mtwilson.edu/concerts.

All proceeds go to support the Mount Wilson Institute in its mission to preserve, protect and promote the Observatory and the accomplishments there. Poised for rediscovery, the grounds of the legendary observatory—founded in 1904 by astrophysical pioneer George Ellery Hale—are open for free to the public year-round. For visitor information please see https://www.mtwilson.edu/visiting.

The second and final 2021 Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome is listed at the bottom of this press release. CLICK HERE to check LAArtParty’s other listing for info on September 5 show.