For the fifth year, Queensland Symphony Orchestra presented Cinematic at Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The popularity of the selected film scores was reflected in the amusing attire worn by the orchestral musicians.
Gone was the stiff formality of their black suits and evening wear. Gone was group sameness and anonymity. Instead, seated in place behind their classical instruments, were an assorted array of costume-clad, cinematic figures. The audience was delighted.
Behind a double bass, stood a tall, pink pig, whilst Marg Simpson’s blue hair towered above a cello. Still in the strings section, a convict played perfect viola; Batman’s sidekick, Robin was on second violin, seated behind the Joker. First violinist, the esteemed concertmaster, performed his duties whilst dressed as a bare foot, young peasant.
‘It’s a marvel they can still play!’ quipped guest conductor, Nicholas Buc, who looked like a Viking raider, an axe tucked into the belt of his trousers. Handsome, smooth and energetic, he was a warm host as he provided us with historical detail relevant to the performed works.
It was a great privilege for our state orchestra to have the opportunity to work with Buc, and wonderful for the audience to see this young maestro on the concert hall podium. Also, a renowned composer, Australian-born, New York-based, Buc is in global demand as a guest conductor.
The evening commenced with the Theme from Batman (Danny Elfman), followed by the more optimistic, Superman March (John Williams) from the 1978 film.
The oldest piece played was The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (Paul Dukas), from the film released in 1940. A whimsical, searching work, with a dramatic conclusion, it was composed in 1897.
Caitlin Yeo, composer of Suite from New Gold Mountain (set in the Ballarat goldfields), was a guest audience member, and invited on stage to take a bow.
Other scores from films with historical settings were the Theme from Pride and Prejudice (Carl Davis) and John Lunn’s Downtown Abbey Suite. Feather Theme (Alan Silvestri) from Forest Gump was another vintage insert.
Dinosaurs and dragons weren’t left out. The Jurassic Park theme (another John Williams) preceded John Powell’s How to Train Your Dragon.
Works from fantastical films were further represented in pieces from Lord of the Rings (Howard Shore), Spirited Away (Joe Hisaishi) and Interstellar (Hans Zimmer).
A black grand piano appeared during interval and pianist, Daniel Le featured as soloist. A prodigious, young talent who plays serenely and seemingly effortlessly, I’ve seen Le perform previously.
For me, the highlight of the evening was the sudden inclusion of the magnificent pipe organ in the performance of Zimmer’s space epic. In the upper echelons, a young, cloaked organist appeared, the pipes lit up and the enormous instrument came to life. It’s been an aim of mine to see that organ played. Unexpectedly, I ticked off a bucket list item.
There were other grand instruments on stage in both the strings and woodwind sections. Section principal, Phoebe Russell has the privilege of playing a beautiful, 400-year-old double bass complete with carved lion head. Recently named ‘Arabella’, the freshly refurbished contrabassoon elegantly took her place beside her smaller colleagues. Arabella has a range of notes lower than the tuba.
The evening ended with the rich tones of another of Zimmer’s renowned works, The Lion King’s Orchestral Suite. Some of the audience members joined in with the movie themed evening. I was seated beside a row of Supermen.
I thoroughly enjoyed the evening which seemed to speed by. I’m immensely proud of the versatility and standard of our state orchestra. Accustomed to hearing, not seeing them, as they accompany Queensland Ballet, it was a personal treat to set eyes on the musicians and their instruments.
Well done Queensland Symphony Orchestra! I hope to see, not just hear, more of you in the future.
Cinematic
Concert Hall – QPAC, Corner Melbourne and Grey Streets, South Bank (Brisbane)
Performance: Friday 22 November 2024
Information: www.qso.com.au
Images: Conductor Nicholas Buc with Members of Queensland Symphony Orchestra (supplied) | Pianist Daniel Le with Members of Queensland Symphony Orchestra (supplied)
Review: Michele-Rose Boylan