A Celestial Performance…

The Celestial Saxophone Orchestra at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory

In a truly unique pairing of music and setting, the Celestial Saxophone Orchestra—the first professional group of its kind in Canada—presented Gustav Holst’s The Planets suite in the Centre of the Universe’s Gallery at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (DAO).

Fittingly, Holst’s iconic work was first performed in the same year the DAO opened in 1918, creating a century-spanning resonance between the music and the Observatory’s own history. Held on May 22, 2026, the evening was an extraordinary occasion, uniting Holst’s “magical and surreal” soundscape with the “absolutely stunning views” from the Observatory’s hilltop setting.

Now, you can experience a part of this remarkable event. Watch the nine-minute video below featuring the Celestial Saxophone Orchestra’s captivating performance of Holst’s magnificent Jupiter.

The venue’s peaceful, natural ambiance enriched the performance throughout. Prior to the concert, guests enjoyed a catered reception prepared by Camosun College Culinary Arts students, making full use of the patio on a spectacular early summer evening. Attendees praised the performance, noting that the faster, more energetic movements were especially well-suited to the unique saxophone instrumentation. In particular, Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity, was described as “wonderful.”

Centre of the Universe is looking to make this evening just the opening of a new set of cultural events by local artists. Members of the Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory Society will receive notice of upcoming events - and also watch out on Facebook and Instagram!