The Dwarfplanets symphony
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Thu 10 Sep ’2620:30 - 21:30Tribunetrap (stairs ground floor)
Programme
The dwarf planets are named after characters from the underworld:
1. Ceres - Formerly the first asteroid: Terra Incognita; now a dwarf planet
2. Ixion - Shares the same orbit as Pluto; is still angry because of his eternal punishment
3. Sedna - The coldest dwarf planet; rewards people with food from the Arctic Ocean
4. Orcus – Shares the same orbit as Pluto; rules over the Underworld
5. Eris – Has the most expansive orbit of all the dwarf planets; causes strife and jealousy
6. Quaoar – Discovered at Mount Palomar, near Los Angeles, the traditional homeland of the Tongva
7. Pluto & Charon - Even smaller than Eris; not a planet, but a binary dwarf planet; grants access to the underworld
8. Makemake - Discovered near Easter Island, just like Eris; creator of humanity on Easter Island
Performers: Huib Henrichs, Janneke Groesz, Gerard Beentjes, Vera Bruggeman
After Dutch poet Gerard Beentjes heard *De Dwergplaneten* at the “Meet Me at the Lighthouse” literary festival in 2022, he asked for permission to write poems based on these diverse character pieces. This resulted in an even stronger connection between music, astronomy, and mythology. In 2024, artist Vera Bruggeman, who had previously collaborated with Gerard, was also inspired and created eight vibrant paintings with mythological themes.
This collaborative performance, featuring professional pianist Gerrie Meijers, provided a magnificent stage. Flutist Janneke Groesz added a new dimension to the symphony by accompanying the latest edition for piano and piccolo/flute, which had been arranged especially for this occasion. The music has been described as “neoclassical, yet accessible.”
The Europlanet Science Congress 2026 (EPSC) will take place in Amare from September 6–11, 2026. The congress is Europe’s largest and most important gathering for planetary research and will be held in the Netherlands for the first time. In addition to the scientific program, the congress will build bridges to the city and the public through art, education, and other projects.