It is becoming increasingly difficult to write about WASO performances. There are simply not enough new words or sentences to describe the high caliber of talent and the uniqueness of each experience curated which make your heart sing. Alas, we must (gladly) persist.
In this instalment, the West Australian Symphony Orchestra shine again. Here, the music was not merely a subtle accompaniment to the film – it became the star of the show.
The format was simple: the film was shown on a large screen while the orchestra perform the remarkable John Powell score in real time. Many moments which may go uncelebrated or unnoticed when watching at home suddenly take on a moving and powerful presence when the music is being created in front of the audience. It seems impossible to ever watch a movie the normal way again.
WASO’s How to Train Your Dragon. Photo credit Artshoot Media.
Conductor Jessica Gethin explained the soaring ambition of the score at the commencement of the show. Over 400 pages of music, 52 instrumental parts layered together and millions of individual notes – to be described as a ‘work out’ seems like an understatement.
From the opening moments, even the orchestral rendition of the infamous ‘Universal Studios’ (read: Earth spinning against a space backdrop then encircled by golden text) stirs something nostalgic within.
Rich with Celtic influences, soaring melodies and intricate rhythms, the Orchestra trains the music with power and sensitivity. The action sequences are exhilarating on stage and in screen: percussionists moving in quick succession around their myriad of instruments (30 in total), bows jaunty on strings and the slide of the trombones rapidly shifting. These moments build a sense of urgency and excitement.
WASO’s How to Train Your Dragon. Photo credit Artshoot Media.
In contrast, the quieter moments of vulnerability and courage in the film allow the woodwinds and strings to bring warmth alive. Truly magical.
Ultimately, the combination of the film and live score make for an utterly mesmerising event. It is almost impossible to decide where to look as the movie goes on and means that each new scene is a new discovery.
While Perth audiences will be sad to hear the run of the show has concluded (and sold out at that!), we only have to wait a year for WASO’s next instalment in How To Drain your Dragon 2.