Last night saw the WA Symphony Orchestra perform the iconic soundtrack of Jurassic Park at Riverside Theatre at the Convention & Exhibition Centre to a packed audience. This revolutionary film sparked a wave of interest in dinosaurs and palaeontology in 1993 when it was released, and over 20 years later, it is still just as popular a movie that enthrals and entertains. Nobody, not even Steven Spielberg himself, could have predicted the cultural phenomenon of Jurassic Park, spawning multiple sequels and a mass following.
Along with the then-ground-breaking CGI, the soundtrack composed by John Williams has its own cult status, with its sweeping strings and dramatic themes. I was hooked immediately when the orchestra began. It really was something else to experience the glorious soundtrack of Jurassic Park, live and right there in front of me. The sound filled the room and brought a liveliness to the screen that I immensely enjoyed.
When the main theme erupted, as the characters see the Brachiosaurus for the first time, the audience burst into applause. There were multiple points throughout the performance that the audience was compelled to cheer and clap, and we went through all of the emotions of excitement, child-like wonder, fear and horror, and flat-out action.
Jurassic Park in Concert presented by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Photography by Daniel James Grant.
Conductor Nicholas Buc did a brilliant job, driving the music forward and keeping in perfect harmony with the dialogue and action. I love these kinds of concerts because it marries the world of pop culture and modern day with what is sometimes seen as an ‘old-fashioned’ kind of performance of the symphony orchestra. It was evident that this concert draws both new and old admirers of the orchestral medium, and it’s really fantastic to see so many young people attend and enjoy the fruits of the orchestra.
The tracks were all performed to such a high standard that at times I totally forgot that a whole orchestra was sitting right in front of me on stage! Even though I’m sure most of us had seen the film Jurassic Park before, it was such a fantastic experience to watch it alongside a live musical performance. The end credits were a joyful experience, with the musicians beaming as the audience stood up and whooped and cheered appreciatively.
Jurassic Park in Concert is a part of WASO’s “WASO at the Movies” series, and is a presentation of the complete film ‘Jurassic Park’ with a live performance of the film’s entire score.