This week in Philly music: Piffaro goes cosmic

There was a time when astronomers believed every planet had its own musical hum and the “harmony of the spheres” influenced life on Earth. On May 14, Philadelphia’s Renaissance wind band, Piffaro, will evoke that poetic view of the universe with ancient chants to the celestial Muses, hymns to the magnificence of creation, and Renaissance counterpoint crafted according to mathematical principles. The vocals will be provided by Les Canards Chantants, a “solo voice ensemble” that has reformed in Philadelphia after its directors moved here from England. The concert will take place in a Temple University facility with a big cyclorama screen, with visuals that immerse the audience in a multimedia experience.

Piffaro will present Harmony of the Spheres on Saturday, May 14 at 2pm and 7pm at Temple University’s Conwell Dance Theater, Conwell Hall, 1801 N. Broad Street, 5th Floor. General admission tickets are $35; preferred seating $40; $10 for students; $30 for seniors. Tickets are available online, by calling 215-235-8469, and at the door.