Hidden Star - The Story of Annie Walker

Aim: Hidden Star, a unique opera project, combines music, science, history, & education to bring to life 19th century astronomer, Annie Walker

Find out about the project

In 1903 astronomer Annie Walker left the Cambridge Observatory where she had lived and worked for over 20 years. Under the mentorship of John Couch Adams, she had became the second female observational astronomer in Britain, after Caroline Herschel.

However, the death of her mentor and the appointment of a new Director at the Observatory, spelled disaster for Annie. She hung on till 1903, when she left the Observatory, emigrating to join her family in Australia. She never worked in astronomy again and has faded from history.

We are raising funds to create a project that will bring Annie Walker to life and give her the recognition she deserves. Hidden Star will be a through composed chamber opera, accompanied by school workshops built around both astronomy and contemporary music. 

Your donations will support the creation of the poetry and music, performances of the opera and the development and delivery of the school workshops.

We are Listen! a new collective of women whose mission is to create, produce and perform new musical works that connect people to the stories and places that shape our lives. Working on this project are: 

Caroline Coetzee: librettist, director and project manager
Rania Chrysostomou: composer and musical director
Marion Dall Caldwell: pianist and educationist

We're working in partnership with the Cambridge University Institute of Astronomy and the Tête à Tête Opera Festival with the support of the Royal Opera and Ballet Engender Network and Mentoring Programme.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 26th August 2025 at 3:57pm