This April (2020), a magical evening awaits when the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents one of Disney’s most extraordinary and groundbreaking animated features, Fantasia, in concert live to film.
Released to great acclaim in 1940, Walt Disney’s Fantasia was his boldest experiment at the time and culminated in the creative visionary’s desire to blend animated imagery with classical music.
Conducted by Benjamin Northey, the MSO will perform the beautifully curated emotional score of classical music including Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Bach’s Toccata and Fugue, Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, and the fantastically dark scene featuring Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain.
Northey said this special event, rarely seen in Australia, will engage new audiences with its joyful classical score and breathtaking visuals brought to life on a large screen at Hamer Hall.
‘Fantasia is one of the most influential pairings of music and moving pictures in history. Since it was released in 1940 it has captured the hearts and minds of people of all ages. It has also served to introduce audiences to the magic and power of the orchestra in a way that highlights some of the best music ever written. A true masterpiece of the 20th century,’’ said Mr Northey.
The original film score was conducted by Leopold Stokowski with the Philadelphia Orchestra, recorded in stereophonic sound, which was still an experimental medium at the time. What had begun as a vehicle to develop Mickey Mouse’s career with an animation short titled The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, went on to become a genuine cinema classic.
Fantasia in Concert Live to Film is presented by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Benjamin Northey and will be performed at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne on Friday 24 April 2020 at 7.30pm and Sunday 26 April 2020 at 1pm. For tickets and further information visit mso.com.au
FANTASIA IN CONCERT LIVE TO FILM
Friday 24 April 2020 at 7.30pm and Sunday 26 April 2020 at 1pm, Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne
Source: MSO