Review by Sarah Skubala
Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Cinematic is an annual concert that lovingly pays tribute to the iconic scores of films and television. Now in its fifth year, Conductor Nicholas Buc says it is his favourite event on the calendar, and it’s clear to see why. Buc and the entire orchestra were decked out in costume (Buc even changed outfits in Act Two!), which really gave the evening a sense of good old-fashioned fun. Special costume mentions must go to the Marge Simpsons in the orchestra, complete with high blue hair, the double bass player in a full pig onesie, complete with hood, and the members of the string section who wore masks for the entire concert as part of their costumes: No Face from Spirited Away and the Witch-King of Angmar from The Lord of the Rings. It must not have been easy to see through those masks, but they admirably persevered.
We all have a special connection to our favourite films and television shows, and the music behind them plays a big part. Just try to watch anything without a score, and you will soon find yourself incredibly bored! It’s the music that often informs us of how to feel as the story unfolds.
The music selected for this year’s Cinematic contained plenty of personal beloved pieces, including Danny Elfman’s Theme from Batman, which kicked off the night. The 1989 Tim Burton film and its accompanying score are iconic, and I had a huge smile on my face as the bat signal was beamed up into the rafters of the Concert Hall. I loved having my photo taken with one of the roving cosplayers dressed as Batman in the foyer prior to the show and also appreciated the popcorn available for sale.
The Superman March by John Williams was another concert highlight; its energetic music was instantly recognisable and joyous to witness performed live. It was clear the orchestra loved playing this piece, and the accompanying colourful lighting washes that danced across the musicians from above really added to the sense of pure celebration. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Paul Dukas was another concert standout: I could practically see Mickey Mouse waving his wand around in the Disney film, Fantasia. Act Two featured piano soloist Daniel Le, and his beautiful contribution to The Downton Abbey suite by John Lunn gave me chills. I must also mention Hans Zimmer’s piece No Time For Caution from Interstellar, which included the Concert Hall’s resplendent pipe organ.
There were two surprise encore pieces that weren’t programmed, and it was a thrill to hear The Simpsons Theme played live. The second encore was the theme from Game of Thrones, a crowd favourite.
I was excited to learn that Cinematic has once again been added to the 2025 Queensland Symphony Orchestra season, and excitingly, it will be Oscars-themed. I would like to respectfully put my bid in for the music from The Cat Concerto, the 1946 Oscar-winning cartoon from Tom and Jerry. Featuring Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 by Franz Liszt, it is one of the greatest compositions for the piano. Fingers crossed!
Cinematic is an absolutely unmissable annual event on the QSO calendar, and with only three performances, get your tickets before they are gone with the wind.
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