Sunday Classics: The Planets: An HD Odyssey, with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at Usher Hall

Take an unforgettable journey to the furthest reaches of the cosmos. With the visionary music of Holsts The Planets, together with stunning NASA images of our solar systems planets in high definition.From the galvanising military rhythms of Mars to the eerie beauty of Venus; from the majestic power of Jupiter to the mystical visions of Neptune The Planets is a spectacular tribute to pioneering science, and also a glimpse into the hidden mysteries of astrology, all conveyed in some of Holsts most evocative music. Combined with real-life, large-screen NASA pictures of the planets uncanny natural beauties, its an overwhelming experience.Holsts magical masterpiece is performed by the exceptional musicians of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, directed by exciting young British conductor Ben Palmer. And before the interval, prepare for lift-off with some of the most dazzling space-themed music ever written.Stanley Kubrick contrasted the imposing power of Richard Strausss mighty Also sprach Zarathustra and Johann Strauss IIs elegant Blue Danube waltz in his trailblazing movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, while John Williams transports us to the universe of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader in his rousing music for Star Wars.