Voyager

Abstract

NASA’s Voyager mission is an inspiring story of both scientific discovery and humanitarianism. Launched in 1977, the twin spacecraft made observations which revolutionized our understanding of our cosmic neighborhood and simultaneously proclaimed our species’ existence in an incomprehensibly vast universe. Onboard both vessels are copies of the Golden Record, a time capsule depicting Earth and humanity in the event that they are discovered by sapient beings in the future. Golden Record producer Timothy Ferris (via planetary scientist Carolyn Porco) has equated Voyager’s incomprehensibly long journey ahead to “knocking on eternity’s door”. That so much music from many different cultures was included on the record is a testament to the esteemed place of art in our society. The Voyager program also serves as an awe-inspiring reminder of the ability nations have to use their power for exploratory endeavors that benefit all. The musical composition Voyager for percussion octet consists of 11 parts: a prelude with greetings in 55 languages from the Golden Record, five main movements (called Encounters), and five spatial interludes (called Approaches) for a total production time of approximately one hour and 55 minutes (including a 30-minute pre-concert section). The work is designed to be presented in a large, multi-chambered space such as a museum in order to realize the spatial aspects of the composition and allow for the audience to interact with the piece free from the constraints of a typical concert setting.