Visionsphere is a collaboration between Mesa Community College and Nouveau Papillion
MESA, Arizona – Jan. 7, 2020 – The “Visionsphere” project of the Mesa Community College Planetarium and international recording artists Nouveau Papillon is now scheduled across the nation in 2020. This dynamic performance of striking digital imagery accompanied by live New Age instrumental music is currently showing at the MCC Planetarium in January, February, and March.
In 2020, Visionsphere is going on the road to planetariums, museums and colleges across the country. From March through November, the show is booked in Dayton and Columbus, Ohio; Jersey City, New Jersey; Hamilton and Rochester, New York; Arlington, Denton and Houston, Texas; Bay City, University Center, Grand Rapids, Flint, Ann Arbor, East Lansing and Detroit, Michigan; Wausau, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Madison and Neenah, Wisconsin.
“The performances include nearly a dozen individual audio and visual experiences developed by a team of MCC faculty and Nouveau Papillion artists and technicians to engage with our audiences,” said Kevin Healy, MCC astronomy faculty. “The marriage of Digistar planetarium technology with live musical performances provides a truly immersive visual experience that enhances each Nouveau Papillon piece.”
Digitally mastered visuals include angels gliding through the heavens, panoramic cavernous tours, fractal art, steampunk graphics and indigenous Arizona wildlife and nature.
International recording artists Nouveau Papillon perform selections from their current and upcoming albums. Mark Bensette Aux Bois, on electric harp and 6- and 12-string acoustic/electric guitars, and Hildi Thelen on Native American-style flutes, synchronize their performances to visual images on the dome.
Ed Capps, Nouveau Papillon manager, said, “Our partnership with MCC has made it possible to create a truly unique experience for admirers of art, music and technology. I encourage anyone who is unfamiliar with our work to listen to the excerpts on our website; what we do live is even more phenomenal.”
Visit mesacc.edu/planetarium for dates, times and ticketing information for performances at the MCC Planetarium, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ 85202. Tickets are $20 and include a digital download of Nouveau Papillon’s CD Enchantment Blooms. Half of the proceeds benefit the development of new MCC Planetarium shows to present to the community on Astronomy Nights, a free, first Friday event hosted at the college during the academic year.
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Media contacts:
Dawn Zimmer, MCC, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892
Ed Capps, Nouveau Papillon, e.capps@nouveaupapillon.org, 602-576-6317
Nouveau Papillon is international recording artists Mark Bensette Aux Bois on 6- and 12-string acoustic/electric guitar and electric harp, with Hildi Thelen on Native American-style flutes. Their collaboration and shared vision has led to an evolution of powerful instrumental imagery that transcends traditional New Age music -- constantly evolving, resulting in an amazing musical experience. Their second CD, “Enchantment Blooms,” released in December 2018 and was nominated for Album of the Year by One World Music, Europe’s No.1 streaming station. The song “Star Gazers” from that CD was featured on the compilation CD Sounds from The Circle X. This compilation is available from the New Age Music Circle and participating artists as a physical MP3 CD, and also as an online playlist in Spotify and iTunes. The CDs are also distributed at the ZMR Awards, INATS, MIDEM, GATE, GRAMMY events, film festivals, celebrity gift bags, and other industry events where the music reaches new listeners, filmmakers, music therapists and others. Learn more and listen to sample soundtracks at www.nouveaupapillon.org.
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college has served as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning throughout it’s 50-year history. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online, and at its two campuses and additional locations. Through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming the ways it champions student success, college completion, university transfer and career attainment or advancement. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution and more than 50% of its students are the first in their family to attend college. Its American Indian Institute serves 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and more than 30 out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to successfully compete in the workforce. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.