Helix Nebula

for Chamber Orchestra

Premiere: Friday, April 18th, 2025

Paulson Center, New York University

Helix Nebula

for Chamber Orchestra

Located in the Aquarius Constellation, the Helix Nebula is sometimes described as resembling a human eye, with vibrant shades of red and gold, and a light blue center. The shape of the nebula is reflected in the dynamic shaping of the orchestra, progressively growing to its zenith and gradually fading away. The nebula's structure is formed from several prominent, intertwining rings of debris. Each instrument creates its own melodic thread, weaving independently through the larger structure as the ticking of time stretches and dilates while moving through spacetime.

Flute

Oboe

Clarinet (Bb)

Bassoon

Horn in F

Trumpet in C

Trombone

3 Percussion*

Piano

Violin I

Violin II

Viola

Cello

Double Bass

*Percussion: 1 - Vibraphone and Tubular Bells, 2 - Triangle and Temple Block, 3 - Snare and Bass Drum