Oceans of Bach
German pianist Danae Dörken (left) performs a piece on stage as part of a promotion for "Oceans of Bach" a science/music experience hosted by the Samuel Lawrence Foundation on November 6th, 2025 at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego
Science and sound intertwine, posing the question: "What will our legacy be?"
Samuel Lawrence Foundation (SLF), the leading nonprofit in the fight for safe nuclear waste storage nationwide, brought together world-renowned German pianist Danae Dörken, Oceanography Professor Lynne Talley and Geosciences Professor Jeff Severinghaus to explore Bach’s timeless works alongside groundbreaking research about our planet. SLF President Bart Ziegler organized Oceans of Bach in honor of the composer’s four-hundred-year legacy, emphasizing Bach’s "unforgettable harmony" as the inspiration behind SLF's decision to host. In "marrying [Dörken's] moving performance... with cutting edge science," said Ziegler, "we aim to bring awareness and inspire action to our sacred planet." He then introduced Dörken, who performed an all-Bach recital, followed by expert insights about the changing nature of our Earth from Professors Talley and Severinghaus.
A King tide at San Onofre
Gary Headrick
A King tide at San Onofre is causing additional damage to the front seawall adjacent to the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.
A King tide at San Onofre
Gary Headrick
A King tide at San Onofre is causing additional damage to the front seawall adjacent to the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.
In his closing remarks, Ziegler invited the audience to donate to the Keeling Curve Foundation, an organization that supports "essential long-term environmental research." For SLF to "continue events like this and the work that we are doing in San Onofre, we need you," said Ziegler, "Join us by using the QR code on the program to become a member. We appreciate your engagement."
Oceans of Bach was hosted in partnership with Bach Collegium San Diego, Art of Elan, La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, La Jolla Music Society, San Diego Early Music Society, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Unitarian Universalist Church.
