During the final week of the summer term, Trinity School hosted a unique interdisciplinary arts performance that blended the cosmic soundscape of Gustav Holst’s The Planets with the creative energy of the Art Department in a spectacular fusion of music and visual storytelling.
The Celebrity Piano Recital featured renowned pianists Nigel Clayton and Imma Setiadi performing Holst’s iconic orchestral suite on the Steinway Grand Piano, in an arrangement for four hands.
What made this evening truly special was the real-time collaboration with Junior Year students from the Trinity Art Department, who brought each planetary movement to life with improvised and digital artwork. Inspired by the symbolic meanings behind each piece – Mars, the Bringer of War; Venus, the Bringer of Peace; Mercury, the Winged Messenger, and so on – two students created digital illustrations that captured the unique mood, colour, and emotion of each planet.
Junior Year artists Alex P and Jacob G were on stage during the performance, creating live illustrations in direct response to the music. Their evolving visuals were projected in real time, allowing the audience to witness the creative process unfold in tandem with Holst’s powerful score. Transitions between movements were marked by the lifting and replacing of black paper, signaling a shift from one planet to the next.
This collaboration came about when Nigel Clayton – former piano teacher of Mr Coma, Teacher of Art and Head of Junior Year – reached out ahead of the recital to explore a cross-disciplinary partnership. While several Junior Year students contributed artwork, Alex and Jacob were chosen to perform live during the event.
The result was a captivating celebration of music and art, showcasing the synergy between visual and performing arts and offering an immersive experience that brought Holst’s astrological vision vividly to life. Bravo to all involved.
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