Anne Tilbrook

The Infinite Shining Heavens

Sat 6 December 2025

Newnham College

In 2025, we celebrate 125 years since the birth of Dr Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin (NC 1919) — a pioneering astronomer whose brilliance transformed our understanding of the universe. One hundred years ago, her revolutionary PhD thesis was hailed as “the most brilliant ever written in astronomy,” revealing for the first time the true chemical composition of the stars.

Dr Payne-Gaposchkin’s career was one of firsts: the first to determine the elements of the stars, the first woman promoted to full Professor at Harvard, and the first woman to lead a department there. Her courage, intellect, and vision continue to inspire generations of scientists and scholars around the world. Join Newnham as we honour her extraordinary achievements and enduring legacy — a celebration of discovery, determination, and the power of curiosity.

As part of our astronomy weekend we will be hosting a concert of music inspired by her remarkable life.

With music inspired by the stars The Infinite Shining Heavens the concert will be performed in the beautiful surroundings of Clough Hall by celebrated Pianist Anna Tilbrook, soprano Claire Booth and soprano Katherine Gregory (NC 2020) accompanied by George Herbert (piano).

Cecilia was a talented musician. Before coming to Newnham she attended St Paul's School in London and whilst there was taught music by Gustav Holst at the time whilst he was composing The Planets (1914-17). An arrangement of The Planets for piano will be included in the evening concert.

Programme will include works by:

Schubert

Clara Schumann

Oliver Knussen

Elizabeth Maconchy

Muriel Herbert

Debussy

Nadia Boulanger

Mussorgsky

Rachmaninov

Gustav Holst The Planets (arr. piano)

Cost: £20