Watch International Space Orchestra

International Space Orchestra is a unique and thrilling documentary film that combines science and art to create an inspiring story of human ingenuity and perseverance. It showcases the creation of an orchestra that comprises professional musicians who work at NASA's Ames Research Center in California. Through the film, the audience is taken on a journey that explores the intersection of science and art, and how they can be combined to create something truly extraordinary.

The main characters in the film are the members of the orchestra, who come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and musical disciplines. Among them are Manny Angel, the conductor, and Ralph Bach, the lead guitarist for the band Sigur Rós. The film also features interviews with scientists, engineers, and astronauts who work at NASA, providing insights into the space agency's many groundbreaking missions.

The film's central thesis is how the members of the orchestra use their skills to work in harmony just as their machines do at the Ames Research Center. The film showcases the many rehearsals required to learn the music and get the timing just right. The musicians often face difficulties in performing, and the conductor does his best to harmonize and coordinate them to work together as if they were celestial machines that NASA sends to the far-off galaxy.

As the film unfolds, the audience is taken on a journey of the orchestra's interaction with scientists and engineers to collaborate on original pieces of music. This behind-the-scenes peek at the scientific world and the making of music is fascinating and inspiring, as we see how creativity can unite people from vastly different disciplines and backgrounds.

International Space Orchestra is also a visual feast, with stunning images of space and artistic representations of scientific data that are unlike anything seen before in a documentary film. The visuals are accompanied by original music composed by the members of the orchestra, whose work ranges from classical to rock and electronica. The music adds another layer of richness to the film, and viewers are immediately captivated by the melodies that the musicians produce.

The film also explores the concept of teamwork in the face of adversity. The members of the orchestra work collaboratively with scientists and engineers to create something that is greater than the sum of its parts. The film also delves into the challenges that the musicians face as they perform. One of the most significant challenges is the weightlessness that astronauts experience in space. The music that takes goes into space often requires amplification, which creates specific technical requirements varying from gravity on earth, forcing new innovative musical instruments and amplifiers to be created.

Throughout the film, we also see the orchestra's role in inspiring future generations of scientists and musicians. By combining their skills and passion, the members of the orchestra illustrate how science and music are intimately connected. They show how they intersect to create something extraordinary that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The film also highlights the role that NASA plays in inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers, a theme that will undoubtedly resonate with viewers of all ages.

In conclusion, International Space Orchestra is a unique and inspiring film that showcases the creativity and passion of the human spirit. By showcasing the collaboration between the scientific and artistic communities, the filmmakers have crafted a story that is both illuminating and accessible. The film offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of space exploration while also demonstrating how creativity, teamwork, and passion can bring people together to achieve something truly extraordinary. Anyone looking for a unique and inspiring film should put International Space Orchestra on their must-see list.

International Space Orchestra is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3.