Willoughby Symphony Orchestra will present the iconic Walt Disney Animation Studios' 'Frozen In Concert' this March.
The orchestra will present the music from composer Christophe Beck's GRAMMY-nominated score, performed live to the film. . . And led by conductor Jessica Gethin.
For those (somehow) unfamiliar with the iconic story of 'Frozen', fearless optimist Anna teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff, in a race to find her sister Elsa. Elsa's icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.
Here, clarinet player Greg Larielle-Jones lists his five favourite musical moments from the iconic film.
One
'Do You Want To Build A Snowman?'. This song begins innocent and light, but gradually becomes one of the film's emotionally powerful moments. Through shifting tone and the repeated melody, it shows the steady decline in Anna and Elsa’s relationship, particularly after their parents' deaths. Anna’s optimism and longing contrasted to Elsa’s silence and isolation. This highlights Anna’s confusion and lack of understanding about why her sister has withdrawn. Having forgotten Elsa’s powers, Anna only feels loss and rejection. The childlike theme recalls their happy past, while its repetition emphasises the emotional struggle and growing distance between them.
Two
'For The First Time In Forever'. The piece is a clever presentation of storytelling using counterpoint to contrast Anna’s giddy excitement with Elsa’s growing anxiety. As Anna looks forward with hope, optimism and dreams of connection and romance, Elsa fears exposure and the loss of control. Both sisters are focused on the future, but their journeys are clearly different – Anna’s is driven by innocence and possibility, Elsa’s by uncertainty and inner conflict about who she is destined to become. The bright, fast, theatrical music captures excitement of the gates opening while subtly hinting at danger. By balancing joy with tension, the music sets up the characters' emotional states while remaining catchy, energetic and and full of character.
Three
'Love Is An Open Door'. At first glance, this song feels like a classic Disney romantic duet – sweet, upbeat, and full of charm. Its clever lyrics and synchronised movements sell the illusion of instant compatibility. However, its brilliance becomes clear in retrospect. The song intentionally mirrors Anna’s desperation for connection rather than genuine emotional intimacy. Lines about “finishing each other’s sandwiches” hint at superficial bonding, not deep love. Musically joyful but narratively deceptive, the duet serves as a perfect setup for the film’s subversion of the 'love at first sight' trope, making the later betrayal feel earned rather than cheap.
Four
'Let It Go'. This is the defining musical moment of 'Frozen'. Sung as a private declaration to herself, the song captures Elsa’s journey from fear to self acceptance and recognition of her own potential. Through powerful vocals, dynamic changes and storytelling, Elsa releases years of repression. The climatic moment of the piece is poignant yet empowering, portraying great personal strength. By letting go of the past and embracing the future, Elsa becomes a symbol of empowerment and self-belief.
Five
Anna’s first visit to Elsa’s castle of ice. The underscoring when Anna first sees Elsa in the ice castle and introduces her to Olaf has a beautiful sense of their past together. It is full of emotion, with a short reprise of 'First Time in Forever'. Anna’s optimism is initially met with opposition from Elsa, but upon hearing that Arendelle is under ice and snow, Anna tries to convince Elsa her powers and abilities can make a difference. There is a clear moment of ‘maybe’ from Elsa before she closes herself off again.
Willoughby Symphony Orchestra presents Disney's 'Frozen In Concert' at The Concourse Concert Hall on 21-22 March.
