The pillars of creation form one of Hubble's most iconic images, and a beautiful backdrop for a new song celebrating the importance of light in our lives. // Photo credit: NASA, ESA and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)
Next week, the world will celebrate the first ever International Day of Light. A global initiative established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, (UNESCO), the Day of Light is meant to turn our attention toward light and its role in our lives, from science and education to art, medicine, communications, and more. The inaugural celebration will take place in Paris and the opening ceremony will feature something special: a performance by soprano Katerina Mina, singing two pieces written by Linda Lamon to mark the event – and our place in the universe celebrating it.
I had the opportunity to preview one of the songs, “Look to the Universe,” which is based on the traditional tune "Romance," arranged and with lyrics by Lamon. “Look to the Universe” presents a beautiful, uplifting, and positive view of humanity and our place within the cosmos. It tells us that we are not alone, that we are able to persevere in the hardest of times, and we need only “look to the universe” to see that “we are made of stars."
The music and the lyrics blend together to create a haunting, flowing, and unforgettable piece that underscores the message of the International Day of Light: Light is all around us, playing a vital role in our lives today, showing us where we came from and, perhaps, where we’re going.
Linda Lamon (L) and Katerina Mina. // Photo Credit: Billy Reid
It may be no surprise, then, that the song was inspired by the late Professor Stephen Hawking, whose work unraveling the cosmos has brought us all closer to the stars, in many ways.
Mina’s performance will immediately precede the Director General of UNESCO’s address during the International Day of Light opening ceremony. May 16 also marks the release of Mina’s highly anticipated first EP, “Nature’s Universe.” You can pre-order a priority digital download of the album, which features five songs written by Lamon and performed by Mina, here:
https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/katerina-mina-ep
The site offers a video preview of “Look to the Universe,” which marries the beautiful tune to deep space imagery to truly evoke a feeling of wonder. You can also play a sample of the “Rainbow of Light Anthem,” also written by Lamon and used as the official song for the International Year of Light, the larger platform serving as a foundation for this first-ever International Day of Light. (I gave that one a try, too, and it’s simply gorgeous!)
Next week, consider taking a moment to celebrate this Day of Light with the rest of the world – and perhaps give "Look to the Universe" a listen to feel truly at one with the stars.