Michael Bell, professor of community and environmental sociology, translates his research into musical compositions, offering a new way to experience environmental sociology. Kanopy Dance Company has choreographed Bell’s environmental and agroecological symphony entitled Regeneration: A Pentalogy and will be doing a performance of a portion of the work at Earth Fest on Apr. 23 as well as four performances at the Overture Center for Earth Week Apr. 24-26.

The symphony focuses on a central theme that Bell calls “ecological dialogue,” viewing the world as an ongoing conversation with life. Through its five movements — birth, youth, career, crisis and realization — the symphony aims to inspire in listeners a sense of human and ecological community. The piece is described as a love letter to nature and brings to life the Greek goddess Gaia, the earth’s eternal guardian. According to a story from the Overture Center, dancers will embody elemental spirits in a transformative exploration of wisdom and renewal.

A portion of Bell’s work was performed at a Concert on the Square last summer. The three-year collaboration with Kanopy will culminate with a performance of the entire 45-minute work at the Overture Center with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra in February of 2026.