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WHAT MUSIC IS
What is music doing on our planet? Why is it part of every single human culture? What is it?
Twenty years of research into the mysterious ubiquity of the harmonic series inform a new touring production for orchestra designed to change your relationship with music forever.
Presenting a new theory of music’s purpose in our species, in collaboration with cutting-edge neuroscience and astrophysics: music is the sound of the universe seeking consonance with itself.
Narrated by writer Bill Barclay with dynamic animations by Shawn Feeney.
Production generously sponsored by Will Koffel
What Music Is reveals music’s expansive role in our collective well-being. Humans have been making music for over 50,000 years yet its role in evolution has remained a mystery. In this show, we propose music’s purpose in human life, the critical role live music plays in civic wellness, and how we can leverage music’s powers for human flourishing.
Repertoire
Debussy Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
Holst Jupiter, from The Planets
Elgar Nimrod, from Enigma Variations
Montgomery Starburst
Saariaho Asteroid 4179: Toutatis
Beethoven Symphony No. 5 (short selection)
Prokofiev Classical Symphony (first movement)
Appearing at:
San Juan Symphony in Colorado and New Mexico, 2/2025
Wichita Symphony Orchestra, 11/2025
Thomas Heuser, conductor
“In what can only be called a high-voltage, creative partnership, Heuser and Bill Barclay have cooked up a fresh approach to orchestral programming…an audience-friendly exploration of science and art. The new form merges storytelling with concert fare.
“Afterward, the audience buzzed about the program and the innovative concept. I have it on good authority that Barclay got the science right. Among others, two friends who are scientists, biology and astronomy, said Barclay got the science right. Music lovers said Heuser and company got the music right.”
TRAILER
More PRESS
“Barclay’s amiable, favorite-uncle style managed to deliver the connections between music and physics, math and astronomy with easy warmth. His occasional asides brought humor into the equation, and inviting the audience to sing Happy Birthday to Bill, himself, illustrated a point about synchronicity and added fun to the friendly, family-table atmosphere.
Thereafter, Barclay unspooled his thesis: Music and science have a deep and universal connection, illuminated by performances of works by Elgar, Prokofiev, Beethoven, Holst, Saariaho and Montgomery.
-Durango Herald
IMAGES
Photography by Jill Harper
THE DOCUMENTARY
Developed through special engagements at:
King’s College, London
La Universita de Santiago, Chile
Tanglewood Music Festival
Shakespeare’s Globe
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
The Royal Anthropological Society
TESTIMONIALS
I was in full vibration following that extraordinary experience – – and think that I am well on my way for a doctorate in music theory. A dazzling experience!
It was one of the BEST symphony experiences my wife and I have ever experienced! The presentation was absolutely fabulous. Please have him back and do this again!
I was blown away. Thank you so much for this gift that may reach people of all ages and music preferences as well as lifestyles. Science, Sound, and our Connection with the Universe… with a background of incredible musicians, choice of movements by the masters… as well as illustrations. So well done. I floated out of the hall… still contemplating much of what you shared and hearing the music… incredible gift. We are one.
Phenomenal!! Music, orchestra, animation, brilliant narration. This was a totally immersive artistic experience. Thank you WSO!!
This was an absolutely amazing blend of science and music… Who Knew??? I was enthralled and thoroughly enjoyed every minute! Thank You!
I was enthralled by this performance: the orchestra and the guest director, presenter and animator kept me interested and amazed the entire time!
The commentator was an amazing musician, actor, teacher and ethnomusicologist.
This was an absolutely delightful experience. Bill Barclay has done an absolutely amazing job with his words, digital choreography and the accompanying music. I hope everyone everywhere gets to live this experience.
Amazing musical performance of course, but the narration and passion Bill Barclay brought really made you feel the importance, relevance, NECESSITY of music. An indescribable experience.
So very different, thought provoking, educational, entertaining!!
The program was unique and fascinating, with the science of sound, the theatrics and genuine passion of the narrator, the colorful animations, and of course, the amazing music we’re accustomed to from our Wichita Symphony!
This was definitely a different symphony experience. I certainly enjoyed it and learned a great deal about music from a natural and scientific standpoint. The symphony was magnificent as usual, and they played several of my favorite orchestral pieces, Elgar’s Enigma and Holst’s Jupiter. Bravo!
We absolutely loved this program. Bill Barclay is not only very creative, but his narration kept us captivated. The talented symphony members performed brilliantly as they always do. The animations enhanced the entire production. Thanks for bringing this program to Wichita!
This was a refreshingly different, educational and hopeful concert.
This was an outstanding program! I was simply fascinated, captivated and thrilled! Loved it! Symphony was awesome the conductor was fabulous, the narrator was very interesting and the animations was wonderful!!
Totally different experience! I learned so much about the science of music in the universe. Cried during Nimrod of course…Symphony was flawless!
