For Queensland Youth Orchestras (QYO) musicians Sam Wu and Alessandro Martinese, the prospect of performing Star Wars Suite by John Williams is irresistible!
“This piece is extremely difficult, lyrical at times, but fast and energetic!” according to 12-year-old Sam.
“I have watched all the Star Wars movies and thoroughly enjoy playing the music,” added 13-year-old Alessandro Martinese.
Sam and Alessandra, along with 89 QYO young musicians, are currently in rehearsal for the Empire of Sound concert at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre on Saturday 31 May. They’ll be led by QYO Artistic Director, and internationally acclaimed conductor, Simon Hewett.
Star Wars music is familiar territory for Simon. Not only is he a fan of the film but he’s previously conducted its namesake music in Germany for the Stuttgarter Philharmoniker.
Simon knows it’s a challenging symphony but says his young students are more than up to the task. “Our orchestras always play the most challenging repertoire in symphonic literature,” Simon explains.
“Yes, it’s a difficult work but QYO will rise to the challenge and play it with commitment and enthusiasm. As young musicians, it’s a real thrill to be scaling these mountains for the first time.”
For any audience members who may be first timers to orchestral music, Simon’s convinced this concert will be the ideal gateway: “If you have an emotional response to music in the movies, chances are you’re going to have an emotional response to a lot of orchestral music,” he said.
Whilst cinema can dilute an orchestral score – with layers of sound effects, dialogue or both – this performance will give audiences a chance to enjoy the music without any distractions. “Put simply, it’s fantastic music because composer John Williams writes so very well for orchestras,” said Simon.
Concert goers will also be treated to William Walton’s Symphony No. 2. “I’ve always thought of William Walton’s symphonies as being like the encyclopedias, or reference tools, for movie composers,” said Simon.
QYO Principal Flautist Nathan Smith rounds out the performance with Liebermann’s Flute Concerto – a piece he auditioned with to secure his role as soloist for this concert. In what was a happy coincidence, the concerto blends beautifully with the power and style of the Star Wars Suite.
QYO: Empire of Sound
Concert Hall – QPAC, Cultural Precinct, Corner Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Bank
Performance: Saturday 31 May 2025 – 7.00pm
Bookings: www.qpac.com.au
For more information, visit: www.qyo.org.au for details.
Image: QYO Principal Flautist Nathan Smith – photo by Dylan Evans