Page Series presents Ensemble Galilei with Conan

The Page Series will present an evening of wonder and delight featuring Ensemble Galilei with Neal Conan in “Universe of Dreams” Thursday, Feb. 3.

This unique show will combine a live performance of early Celtic and European folk music mixed with the written word from poets, philosophers and storytellers — read aloud by one of America’s best known radio voices, Neal Conan, host of NPR’s Talk of the Nation (heard locally on both Minnesota Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Radio). The performance includes images, captured by the Hubble space telescope, that have transformed our understanding of the universe.

Ensemble Galilei takes its name and inspiration from the life of composer Vincenzo Galilei, whose influence, some 400 years ago, helped restore a vital element of passion to the music of the day. Including both classically-trained and traditional musicians, the ensemble infuses ancient music with a spirit of improvisation and liveliness. Text from Stanley Kunitz, Jim Harrison, William Shakespeare, and a re-telling of a Navajo Creation Myth will be included. Anyone who enjoys music, language or the sciences will want to attend.

The event, which will begin at 7:30 p.m., will be held in Page Theatre.

Wisconsin Public Radio is the media sponsor of this event.

Saint Mary’s University is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Institutional Presenter Support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org.