Riverside Theatre Perth Western Australia 6th April 2024
Entering Riverside Theatre for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra’s performance of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” felt like stepping into a galaxy far, far away. The anticipation was intense as Imperial Troopers, Tusken Raiders, and even Lord Vader himself greeted the crowds in the foyer. From die-hard fans to newcomers, the diversity in the audience mirrored the inclusive nature of the “Star Wars” universe.
As we flooded into the theater, the excitement was infectious. It was as if we were attending the premiere all over again. The promise of experiencing John Williams’ iconic score live, every note played in real-time, was exhilarating. The stage was set for a musical journey unlike any other.
As the lights dimmed, silhouettes of the talented musicians of WASO emerged, signaling the beginning of an epic performance. Conductor Jen Winley commanded the orchestra with precision, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. Her passion for the music was evident as she encouraged crowd interaction and promised an evening we would never forget.
From the iconic opening scene to the final credits, WASO delivered a flawless performance. The orchestra breathed life into every melody, every crescendo, and every moment of suspense. Goosebumps ran down my spine as the familiar themes washed over me, evoking a whirlwind of emotions and memories. You never forget the impact of a great movie – “Star Wars” was and still is a huge part of my life and so many others – the Percussion team cementing that importance by advertising that the “First Order” had arrived….. a sound I will never forget!
The audience’s reaction was unprecedented. Cheers erupted at the start of each scene, a testament to the power of live music to enhance storytelling. Watching the orchestra perform in perfect synchrony with the film was a spectacle in itself. It was impossible not to be captivated by both the visuals on screen and the orchestral magic unfolding before our eyes. I often was distracted by the finely tuned machine that was bringing John Williams music to life “WASO” performance was a movie in itself…… move than worthy of everyone’s attention.
Throughout the performance, there were countless moments that left the audience in awe. The applause was deafening, even in scenes where silence would typically reign. WASO’s talent shone brightly, elevating every aspect of the film and reminding us of the indispensable role music plays in cinematic storytelling. As dynamic as the story is the music sets the mood, it molds characters, creates emotion and enriches the plot and allows you to bond with the movie…… without music simply it doesn’t work.
As the credits rolled, not a single audience member left their seat. We are all guilty of leaving a cinema or watching a movie and at the credits roll and we either leave or switch it off, but no one did as long as WASO was playing. We were all spellbound by the incredible performance we had just witnessed. It was a testament to the orchestra’s skill and dedication that they held us captive until the very end.
In conclusion, West Australian Symphony Orchestra’s performance of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was nothing short of spectacular. Under Jen Winley’s expert guidance, the orchestra delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come. It was a fitting tribute to one of the most beloved franchises in cinematic history and a testament to the enduring power of live music. Bravo, WASO, for a performance that truly deserves to be hailed as the best of 2024!
I will never forget what Jen said in her opening dialogue about how WASO had been preparing mentally, emotionally and physically for the last 6 months for this performance. It was a 2 and half hour-long marathon race….. they smashed the track record and won GOLD!…………
For more mind-blowing concerts like this one make sure you follow WASO on their social media pages and check out their website WASO there are a heap of more events to check out.
massive thank you to the WASO team for the opportunity to review and photograph such a memorable night.
