When the original 'Star Wars' film was first released in 1977, no one – not even its visionary creator, George Lucas – could possibly have imagined the juggernaut the Star Wars franchise would become.
Now, the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) adds another dimension to the 'Star Wars' industry by performing John Williams’ Oscar-winning score live to the complete film. In this, the first film in the original 'Star Wars' trilogy, Luke Skywalker begins a journey that will change the galaxy as he leaves his home planet, battles the evil Empire, and learns the way of the Force.
As well as 'Star Wars' winning the Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1977 (composer, John Williams, also received another nomination that year for 'Close Encounters Of The Third Kind') the American Film Institute selected the 'Star Wars' score as the greatest American film score of all time in 2005.
The Riverside Theatre film concerts have proved to be extremely popular with Perth audiences. WASO performs the soundtracks of well-known films live from the stage while the film itself is projected onto a giant screen above the musicians. Subtitles are included on the screen so the dialogue can be followed without intruding upon the music experience.
John Williams has composed some of the most popular and instantly recognisable film scores in the history of cinema. He has won five Academy Awards and is second only to Walt Disney in the number of nominations he has received. He has scored more than 100 films which include notable blockbusters 'Jaws', 'Schindler's List' and 'Harry Potter'.
WA is again fortunate that Australian conductor, Benjamin Northey has found time in his busy schedule to return to Perth to conduct the WASO in this special film event. Benjamin is the Chief Conductor of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Associate Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
So check your lightsabers at the door and get on board the Millennium Falcon as WASO takes the audience on an intergalactic musical adventure! May the force be with you!
