A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… a room full of musicians donned some wacky costumes and performed their favourite movie music. And this is what Cinematic – Heroes and Heroines, was all about last week when the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) took us on a wonderful adventure of fun and fantasy. Described as an evocative mix of music from the movies with a little classical thrown in, is precisely what it was. We were treated with a musical tribute to heroic characters, big and small, super and ordinary, across the ages.
The best part of the show, other than the creative musical arrangement, was the ensemble of musicians dressed in costumes of their favourite characters. I could not list them all but Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Storm Troopers, Spiderman, Red Riding Hood, Miss Marple, Fred and Wilma Flintstone, Harry Potter, Mr Incredible and Dash quickly come to mind. QSO put in a massive effort to produce a fabulous colourful, production and the audience loved it.
Composer, arranger and conductor Nicholas Buc walked on stage with his light saver for the opening piece of Alfred Newman’s Twentieth Century Fox Fanfare which was a real hit. Needless to say it was a little difficult to continue with his humorous oversized baton but received a huge applause. Nicholas is such an energetic, passionate demonstrative musician with the ability to lure us on his journey.
We listened to incredible musical scores from John Williams Star Wars, Hans Zimmer Gladiator, Alexandre Deplat’s The Imitation Game, Richard Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries, Alan Silvestri The Avengers, Pinar Toprak Captain Marvel, and Bruce Rowlands The Man From Snowy River which took me down memory lane as I loved this movie back in 1982. It was filmed in Mansfield a place I have visited for years on the way to Mt Buller. In addition, Edvard Grieg’s In The Hall of the Mountain King, Paul Dukas The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Joe Hisaishi’s My Neighbour Totoro and Michael Giacchino The Incredibles.
Such a diversion for everyone and again it was heart-warming to see many young people in the audience who also had the opportunity for photo shoots with some of their favourite characters before and after the concert.
QSO in late April- May
Pictures at an Exhibition – Friday 30 April 11am, Saturday 1 May 3pm & 7.30pm
Shakespearean Classics – Sunday 9 May 11am & 3pm
Musical Theatre Gala – Saturday 15 May 3pm & 7.30pm
Mozart and Brahms – Friday 28 May 11am, Saturday 29 May 3pm & 7.30pm
Connecting with QSO:
Bookings www.qso.com.au , 07 3833 5044 M-F 9am-5pm, single concert tickets for QPAC concerts 136 246
Facebook: Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Instagram: @qsorchestra Twitter: @qsorchestra
Blog: qso.com.au/blog Youtube: youtube.com/qsorchestra
Note: Check with QSO prior to concert as facemasks may need to be worn once entering QPAC
Ruth Greening holds a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Psychology & Philosophy. Before retirement, she worked for over 40 years in the corporate world in Melbourne and Brisbane and progressed into senior management positions and project roles for both private industry and government.
In her 70th decade, she continues in casual roles as a freelance writer, model, and actor participating in small movies, TV commercials and User Generated Content.
As a grandmother, she is known as Nanny Babe to her grandchildren and writes from a Baby Boomer perspective on her blog www.nannybabe.com. An avid crafter Ruth actively participates in sewing, crocheting and knitting.
While she continues to pursue her artistic passions, Ruth is dedicated to maintaining her health and fitness as she ages by attending the gym, dancing and walking and thrives on mentoring others.
Connect with Ruth or our moniker Nanny Babe; nannybabegengp.blogspot.com.au/
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