In 2015 I became involved with the Global Orchestra, working with Charlie Chan and Justin Baird to produce the inaugural “Concert for the Planet” for Earth Hour in 2015 (then again in 2018)
Led by a live stream “conductor-cam” of chief conductor David Robertson and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House, 80 communities and music groups across Australia as well as the NASA Rocket Scientists Orchestra in Virginia USA, participated in a simultaneous performance of Holst’s “The Planets”, during Earth Hour.
Our catch phrase "What part will you play for the planet?"
We developed a community and school outreach program that not only made the music accessible to a great number of players, it gave advice on how to conduct an event and how to use the process to reflect on what they could do to be more environmentally sustainable as a community.
It was inspiring to see how each community created their own occasion around performing in the Concert for the Planet. Some would have talks with their environmental officer, others hosted additional performances by their community before hand. They made it their own. Playing along with the Sydney Symphony gave communities a positive reason to come together and consider what they can do to reduce their impact on the planet.
Watch NASA’s summary video about this event.
For all Earthkind 