International Astronomical Union Names Asteroid after Tafelmusik

Toronto - On April 10, 2009, in recognition of Tafelmusik’s recent contribution to the International Year of Astronomy (IYA) 2009, the International Astronomical Union named an asteroid after Canada's acclaimed Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra.

The citation reads:"Canada's Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, under Music Director Jeanne Lamon, is internationally recognized for concerts, education programs, broadcasts, tours, 75+ recordings, and many awards. With creative leadership by Alison Mackay, Tafelmusik premiered a highly-acclaimed multimedia "Galileo Project" program during International Year of Astronomy (IYA) 2009, based upon Galileo's words, and music of the era."

The proposal was prepared by John Percy, the University of Toronto astronomy professor who initially suggested the Galileo Project programme, in collaboration with Jim Hesser, Director of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory and Chair of the IYA Canada Committee, and with David Balam, the Victoria BC astronomer who discovered the asteroid on August 21, 2004.

In January 2009, Tafelmusik commemorated the International Year of Astronomy with the premiere of its critically-acclaimed Galileo Project: Music of the Spheres concert programme,designed by Alison Mackay and co-produced by the Banff Centre. Tafelmusik is currently developing international tours for The Galileo Project in the USA,Mexico and Asia in 2009 and 2010.

IYA 2009 is a 140-country celebration of the 400th anniversary of Galileo's development and first use of the astronomical telescope -- a development that has revolutionized our understanding of the universe, and our place in it. IYA 2009 is organized by the International Astronomical Union, and endorsed by UNESCO and the UN General Assembly.

Asteroids, also known as minor planets, are small, rocky objects, normally circling the sun between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. "Asteroid Tafelmusik" has not been seen up-close, but is probably irregularly shaped, and a few kilometers across.

According to John Percy, "This honour is a small thank-you to Tafelmusik, from the astronomical community, for their participation in IYA, and for their exceptional creativity and excellence in linking science and the arts."