NEWSLETTER
March 5–6, 2026 7:30pm with pre-concert chats 30 minutes prior
Rochester, N.Y. – Plunge into the sound and spectacle of Wonders of Water, a breathtaking multimedia experience beneath the dome of the Strasenburgh Planetarium. This stunning program dives into the essential element that connects us all: water. Through expansive music and immersive full-dome visuals, Rochester’s adventurous chamber ensemble, fivebyfive, explores water’s superpower, majesty and vulnerability in an era of environmental urgency.
The program features a new work by Emmy-nominated composer Sherri Chung who recently composed the score for the HBO Max/Amblin animated series, Gremlins: The Wild Batch. Her piece, “The Force Within,” came after she witnessed the devastating California wildfires last January that destroyed many of her friends’ and colleagues’ homes. Long-time eco-musician and Livingston County native, Glenn McClure wrote a commissioned work titled “Anatomy of a Wave.” Known for his talent of turning data into music, he also spotlights the pipa (a traditional Chinese lute) in this piece, which will be performed by the incomparable Leah Ou.
Fivebyfive also commissioned Hong Kong-American composer Meilina Tsui to create a new piece, “Glaciers” and video artist Marc Webster engineered an animated video to accompany the music by using live ballet dancers from the Rochester City Ballet. He took inspiration from the women as they twirled through a choreographed routine and created a video which will be seen on the dome in larger-than-life dimensions. This multi-sensory experience is designed to encourage everyone to appreciate, protect, and marvel at the lifeblood of our planet .
“This program is literally flowing with energy and magnetism,” proclaimed Eric Polenik, acting Artistic Director. “To have musicians playing their instruments live in such an awe-inspiring setting and the audience soaking in what they hear and see–it’s going to be an amazing whirlpool of emotions.”
Rounding out the experience will be additional music from fivebyfive’s repertoire — including a return of two of their much-loved eclipse-themed compositions by Marc Mellits and Jessica Meyer. Both Mellits’ “Eclipse” and Meyer’s “In the Path of Totality” were performed by fivebyfive at the planetarium in January of 2024, just weeks before the Great American Total Solar Eclipse occurred over Rochester.
“That concert set a precedent for our ensemble. We tried something that had never been done before at the Strasenburg and its success encouraged us to focus on another extraordinary theme, the Wonders of Water,” remarked Polenik.
The concerts on Thursday, March 5, 2026 and Friday, March 6, 2026 are part of fivebyfive’s 10th anniversary season entitled “Of This World” which blends live music, dance, visual art, and science. Audiences are invited to wonder freely, listen deeply, and explore our shared world together with the chamber ensemble’s musicians: Eric Polenik (bass and acting Artistic Director), Marcy Bacon (clarinet), Ken Luk (electric guitar), Haeyeun Jeun (piano) and Lana Stafford (flute). Immersive videos have been created by fivebyfive’s audio and visual artist, Marc Webster.
Tickets are available online at fivebyfivemusic.com or rmsc.org. Stay connected by following fivebyfive on social media for updates, look for behind-the-scenes stories, and ways to support this landmark season.
For images, group photos, a rehearsal video and a printable poster: 5x5 Wonders of Water rehearsal video/photos
Rehearsal video shot at Blue on Blue Recording Studio, Rochester, New York.
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Strasenburgh Planetarium, Rochester Museum & Science Center
657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607
About fivebyfive
fivebyfive is an award-winning chamber ensemble dedicated to commissioning and performing new music created by composers who are typically underrepresented in their field. Five world-class musicians and one video/audio artist make up the group which is based in Rochester, New York. fivebyfive is supported by Rochester Area Community Foundation, the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), and New Music USA for working regularly with and supporting the development of music creators and artists, offering crucial resources to their community. Fivebyfive is thrilled to be celebrating ten years of creativity and collaboration in 2025.
Media Contact: Rebecca Leclair rebeccajleclair.com 585-746-6340