Composer // Laurence Crane
Scientist // Dr Sheila Kanani
Planet // Neptune
Fascinated - and also quite overwhelmed - by the facts and statistics illustrating the immense distance of Neptune in the solar system. Neptune is 4 billion kilometres from Earth. Laurence continued to think about the mystery…the enigma, of Neptune to create an overall idea about the sounds, structure and sonic character of his new composition.
Laurence Crane studied composition with Peter Nelson and Nigel Osborne at Nottingham University. His music is mainly written for the concert hall, although his output includes pieces initially composed for film, radio, theatre, dance and installation. His list of works predominantly consists of instrumental chamber and ensemble music. He has worked with many ensembles in the UK and abroad, including Apartment House (UK), Plus-Minus Ensemble (UK/Belgium), Ixion (UK), London Sinfonietta (UK), Ives Ensemble (Netherlands), Orkest de Volharding (Netherlands), Cikada Ensemble (Norway), asamisimasa (Norway), Ensemble Kore (Canada) and 175 East (New Zealand).
Dr Sheila Kanani mentored Laurence on Neptune. She is a planetary physicist, science presenter, secondary school physics teacher and space comedian, with a background in astrophysics and astronomy research from UK universities. Her experience includes acting as an ambassador of science, public speaking, events organisation, science journalism and school visits. Sheila is currently the Education, Outreach and Diversity officer for the Royal Astronomical Society in London. www.destinationspace.uk/meet-space-crew/sheila-kanani/
Neptune Facts
1. Neptune is about 4 times the diameter of Earth, but is the only planet in the solar system not visible with the naked eye.
2. In 2011 Neptune completed its first 165-year orbit of the sun (1 Neptunian year) since its discovery in 1846. However, a Neptunian day only takes about 16 hours.
3. Neptune has 13 confirmed moons and one awaiting confirmation. They are all named after sea gods and nymphs in Greek mythology.
4. Neptune has a dark vortex in its atmosphere, that causes some gases to freeze into methane ice crystals.
5. Neptune has 6 rings of its own
