Even if we’re not all classical music fans, there is a good chance that in some way this style of music has crept its way into our lives and hearts and been the focal point of a great memory in our life stories. The idea behind the performance of Symphony For Me, is to allow selected members of the public to come on stage and share with the audience their story of how this certain song has impacted their lives.
Hosted by the channel nine news presenter Andrew Lofthouse the show begins by introducing two young Harry Potter fans, one dressed in full wand and cape attire. They tell their story of love for the books and the characters as well as the music before being given a seat to the left of the stage to witness their first full symphony performance of the Harry Potter theme song Hedwig’s Theme. I can comfortably say that John Williams is one of the true cinematic composing kings, his six-decade long career has so many hits it is truly staggering to grasp his accomplishments in the field.
I’ll confess I have only seen two of the Harry Potter films but am familiar with the score, however hearing it live with an orchestra really highlights many of the interesting extra instruments and the magical flow of the song. There are hints of the same eerie usages of bells and chimes that composer Danny Elfman has used throughout his career that I was a little surprised it wasn’t one of his pieces, either way it was an energetic performance and a fun way to start the evening for all.
The next introduction was a little more sobering as one man from Brazil retold the story of how the military would blast the song Overture to II Guarany through speakers as they commenced raids on homes. It was difficult not to then listen to the performance after his retelling without mentally putting myself in his position hearing the song as a startling and triumphant siren. The clearly narcissistic general must have had visions of true grandeur to demand this particular song be used.
The last song before interval was a true highlight for me, a young enthusiastic boy dressed as a pirate along with his family introduced the main theme from the Pirates of the Caribbean. From the start to the end my head was bopping, feet tapping and my right arm possibly swaying back n forth yo ho ho-ing with an imaginary bottle of rum. It was a thrilling end to a great first half of the show.
The second half of the show started with In the Hall of the Mountain King which sounded familiar to me but I wasn’t sure until it started. It's one of those songs you’ve been hearing all your life, easily recognisable and attained an iconic status in pop culture. It sounded equal parts Disney and something David Attenborough would use as he narrates ants on the march. What would a symphony be without a bit of Beethoven, with his Symphony No.7, 2nd movement being performed touchingly, it's such an emotional piece of music it encompasses a wide range of emotions.
As the show is a family friendly evening, which is clearly defined by the chosen set list that comes off equal parts pop cultural classic movie scores and worlds finest classical music pieces, it is important to go off with a bang that is fun for everyone so the most obvious choice would be to go back to the beginning with something from the masterful John Williams Star Wars theme.
Hearing that song performed live is a true thing of beauty, it’s such an iconic piece of music that has stood the test of time it’s hard to imagine the franchise having any other theme to go by. The grandiose introduction alone sends goosebumps up the spine simultaneously bringing out my childhood sense of adventure, I hummed the score and swayed my arms in attempt to be my own conductor, it was good fun. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra is world class and the energetic conductor Brett Kelly did a wonderful job of interacting with the guests as well as the audience and created a magical night for everyone.
Brisbane Festival, Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Griffith University present
Symphony For Me
15th September
QPAC, Concert Hall
Review: Thomas Harrison