Fantasy Film Music Afternoon
Fantasy Film Music Afternoon
Last Sunday afternoon I joined the Manchester Concert Orchestra on stage at the Liverpool Empire Theatre for a truly spellbinding programme of film and fantasy music. From the moment we tuned our instruments, I could feel the warm sunlight filtering through the theatre windows and the anticipation buzzing in the air. After a busy weekend of rehearsals and preparation, it was a delight to step into that vibrant afternoon performance and let the music take over.
Immersive Scores That Transport
We opened with selections from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, two scores that never fail to stir the soul. As the stirring strings and soaring brass painted those familiar Middle‑earth landscapes, I glanced into the audience and noticed wide eyes and occasional tears. With each familiar chord, the crowd seemed to lean in just a little closer, as though drawn deeper into that cinematic world.
Transitioning seamlessly, we moved into darker territory with themes from The Witcher and Game of Thrones. That’s when our choir made its entrance—and what a moment it was. Their rich, resonant voices filled the theatre with an almost elemental power. It’s one thing to hear these tracks on screen, but quite another to feel them envelop you live, especially in the glow of an afternoon performance.
Dedication in the Stalls
By the halfway point, I overheard two audience members confessing they’d attended this exact concert three times before. Now that’s dedication! Though I’ve performed many times, I’d never encountered such repeated devotion. It reminded me that live music forges an extraordinary bond between performers and listeners—one that’s impossible to replicate anywhere else.
A Journey Through Imagination
After the break, we journeyed through the emotional landscapes of Edward Scissorhands and The Chronicles of Narnia, then soared into adventure with How To Train Your Dragon and Pirates of the Caribbean. We closed with the iconic themes of Star Wars and the lush, otherworldly sounds of Avatar. Each piece showcased not only the orchestra’s versatility but also the choir’s ability to shift from delicate harmonies to full‑throated crescendos, all under the gentle afternoon light.
Reflections on an Unforgettable Afternoon
Performing such atmospheric music reminds me why I fell in love with film scores in the first place. They speak to our deepest emotions, evoke vivid imagery, and connect us across generations. Yesterday’s afternoon concert was more than a performance—it was a communal voyage through fantasy and wonder in broad daylight.
If you ever get the chance to experience this programme live—or revisit it again—don’t hesitate. I guarantee you’ll leave with your heart full and your imagination reignited.
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