MOUNT WILSON OBSERVATORY? The astronomical nexus has long had its telescopes trained on the deep reaches of space, it is true, but there’s something so ethereally earthy about high-above-Pasadena place. The celebrated science campus, home to the world-famous 100-inch telescope, is also a beautiful bastion of art, creativity, and whimsical ideas. These ideas, of course, aren’t distinct or separate from astronomy, but finding an observatory that frequently offers movie screenings — “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” was one 2025 treat — pop-up concerts, and a giant illuminated artwork dubbed “Sunstar” that shines in partnership with our nearest star is, well, as remarkable.
STEINWAY TO THE STARS: So the fact that a sublime musical instrument is now making a home at the mountaintop institution makes stirring sense. A 1907 Steinway grand piano donated by Dr. James Vail, Professor Emeritus of Choral and Sacred Music at the University of Southern California, will be the glorious guest of honor at “Echoes of Discovery: A Piano Premiere & Fundraiser” on the final Sunday of April 2026. “Set beneath the soaring dome of the 100-inch telescope, this piano premiere invites guests into a space where discovery once reshaped humanity’s understanding of the universe — and where music now resonates with equal wonder.” Musicians Tim Durkovic (piano), Ambroise Aubrun (violin), and Cécilia Tsan (cello) will perform at the ebullient afternoon celebration.
MUSIC, MYSTERY, AND THE BIG TELESCOPE: Eager to experience the uplifting happening April 26? Tickets are available for purchase, with a concert admission priced at $100. If you’d like to enjoy the concert and a reception after the performance, the ticket is $250.
MOUNT WILSON OBSERVATORY? The astronomical nexus has long had its telescopes trained on the deep reaches of space, it is true, but there's something so ethereally earthy about high-above-Pasadena place. The celebrated science campus, home to the world-famous 100-inch telescope, is also a beautiful bastion of art, creativity, and whimsical ideas. These ideas, of course, aren't distinct or separate from astronomy, but finding an observatory that frequently offers movie screenings — "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" was one 2025 treat — pop-up concerts, and a giant illuminated artwork dubbed "Sunstar" that shines in partnership with our nearest star is, well, as remarkable.
STEINWAY TO THE STARS: So the fact that a sublime musical instrument is now making a home at the mountaintop institution makes stirring sense. A 1907 Steinway grand piano donated by Dr. James Vail, Professor Emeritus of Choral and Sacred Music at the University of Southern California, will be the glorious guest of honor at "Echoes of Discovery: A Piano Premiere & Fundraiser" on the final Sunday of April 2026. "Set beneath the soaring dome of the 100-inch telescope, this piano premiere invites guests into a space where discovery once reshaped humanity's understanding of the universe — and where music now resonates with equal wonder." Musicians Tim Durkovic (piano), Ambroise Aubrun (violin), and Cécilia Tsan (cello) will perform at the ebullient afternoon celebration.
MUSIC, MYSTERY, AND THE BIG TELESCOPE: Eager to experience the uplifting happening April 26? Tickets are available for purchase, with a concert admission priced at $100. If you'd like to enjoy the concert and a reception after the performance, the ticket is $250.