Classical music can be a polarising genre; but for those who say they don’t like classical, what about the scores that bring your favourite movies to life? The music that makes you tear up, or keeps you on the edge of your seat during the unfolding action on the silver screen? That tune you were humming the whole way out of the cinema…that’s classical!
On arrival at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre’s Riverside Theatre, two Aston Martins in the foyer bring a feeling of glamour and excitement as we await the start of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra’s (WASO) Spectre in Concert. It was nice to see lots of people in their best Bond attire, men in tuxedos and ladies in beautiful gowns.
Rather than the usual printed programs, WASO staff hand out pocket size flyers with a QR code for you to view a digital program with a full list of instruments and the musicians you’re about to see on stage, as well as some info about the composer.
From the moment the Orchestra begins to play that classic James Bond theme, you know you’re in for a treat. Conductor Jessica Gethin brings just the right amount of energy to her pivotal role. It could be easy to get distracted by the musicians below the screen and miss that signature 007 action.
Daniel Craig returns in Spectre as a cryptic message from James Bond’s past sends him on a trail to uncover the existence of a sinister organisation named Spectre. With a new threat dawning, Bond learns the terrible truth about the author of all his pain in his most recent missions. Even having seen the film before, I was looking forward to experiencing it in a more immersive way.
At times I found myself so caught up in the film I would forget the Orchestra was there, but I also loved being able to connect the instruments with certain sounds in the film and watch the short, sharp movements of the string section that have such an impact on certain scenes.
An intermission halfway through the film gave us time to grab a quick drink and another chance to get a photo with one of the Aston Martins, now feeling well and truly immersed in the world of Bond. A girl can dream right?
There’s nothing quite like hearing movie music brought to life by a live Orchestra. Whether you’re a movie buff looking for a fun night out with friends, or hoping to impress someone on a date night, you can’t go wrong with a WASO at the Movies event. As conductor Jessica Gethin says before the concert; it’s a shame we can’t all have WASO in our living rooms when we’re watching a movie, this is truly an experience.
In March, WASO will present Jurassic Park in concert, and I’ll definitely be back.
While you won’t leave feeling shaken, you’ll definitely be stirred by the full force of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.
Tickets are on sale for Spectre In Concert’s final performance in Perth @ https://www.waso.com.au/concerts-tickets/whats-on/concert/spectre-in-concert
This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.
