There is definitely a more candid approach with very well spoken and entertaining conductors who are definitely adding "flair" to the performances. For example last night conductor Jack Everly pulled out a hidden mini light saber and used it as a baton for his last performance of the night "End Title" from Star Wars. Who said symphonies had to be all serious? That's the stigma anyways. One just has to watch an Andrew Rieu concert to see that is not the case.
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| Stormtrooper on Patrol at Roy Thompson |
This is what the website had for the description of the concert:
George Takei, alias Lieutenant Sulu of the Starship Enterprise, is your host for an awesome programme of out-of-this-world favourites! You'll hear sweeping themes and dynamic suites from Star Trek, Star Wars, E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Day the Earth Stood Still, and more, plus a nostalgic medley of vintage sci-fi television themes.
I think the pops series was started to spark an interest for the younger generation... I mean what 20 somethings go to see the symphony? But to go and see and hear music you can relate to performed live...now you are talking! Yesterday I saw a sign for "TSOundcheck" a project aimed at introducing the TSO to the generation Y not only offering great concert packages but offering them at an affordable price. Both worthy attempts to fill the seats...
The concert last night was great! Hearing these theme songs live is mesmerizing and seeing the instruments that produce some of these beautiful sounds that you hear is simply incredible. I've heard the Star Wars theme medley performed live three times and during one of the softer parts...dare I say it...almost brings tears to my eyes. It is not just that it is Star Wars...but just the sound that I hear that provokes the emotional response. A few years back we saw Lord of the Rings - The Symphony and throughout the concert it was the same.
All I can say is that it is a complete 180 to what I hear on a daily basis whether it be top40, EDM or house music. Swapping out the bleeps and bloops with real instrument sounds can be quite refreshing. Of course all types of music elicits some type of response (I still get goosebumps when listening to some great electronic tracks) but for me...for some reason no where near as much as a live symphony or an opera singer. Now that I think about it "All I ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera comes to mind.
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| TSO Getting to Perform... |
Anyhow...this is what was performed last night:
1. Main Title from Star Wars: Suite for Orchestra - John Williams
2. Lost in Syndication - Various (Arr. by Jack Everyly of TV Sci Fi Theme Songs)
3. "Adventures on Earth" from E.T. - John Williams
4. Somewhere in Time - John Barry
5. "Superman March" from Superman - John Williams
6. Star Trek Through the Years - Various (Arrangement Calvin Custer)
Intermission
7. Op.30: Intro (2001 A Space Odyssey) - Richard Strauss
8. Suite from Close Encounters of the Third Kind - John Williams
9. "Cantina Band" from Star Wars Saga - John Williams
10. The Day the Earth Stood Still - Bernard Herrman
11. "Duel of the Fates" from Star Wars Episode 1 - John Williams
12. "Throne Room" & "End Title" from Star Wars - John Williams
As a kid I watched Star Trek the original series. I wasn't a die hard fan or anything but hearing George Takei (Sulu) say those famous words "to boldly go where no one has gone before" and then hear the TSO play the theme song was a real treat. Soprano Kristen Plumley joined in and sang along with the symphony dressed in 70s Star Trek attire complete with those famous short skirts ;)
Unfortunately this concert was only a two night showing and is now done. But I am sure they will do something similar in the future. If so make sure you check it out. You won't be disappointed.
Live long and prosper and may the force be with you.
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