San Francisco USA
Written By Sason Bishope Parry
On Friday, May 24, Davies Symphony Hall was transformed into a vibrant, enchanted world as the San Francisco Symphony brought Disney’s animated tale “Encanto” to life in a captivating performance that dazzled audiences of all ages. This unique event combined the visual splendour of the beloved animated film with the live orchestral magic of one of the world’s most esteemed symphonies, creating an evening that was nothing short of enchanting. Young and old fans lined the hallways, sharing their excitement and anticipation for what was to come.
From the moment the opening notes of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s incredible and spirited score reverberated through the massive hall, the audience was transported to the heart of the Madrigal family’s enchanted home in Colombia. The San Francisco Symphony, under the dynamic baton of conductor Christopher Dragon, delivered a vibrant and emotive performance, capturing the essence of the film’s lively and heartfelt music. Dragon was full of vigour and charisma as he commanded the stage and the brilliant musicians with so much elegance and confidence, showing his passion for the craft.
The synergy between the animation on the screen and the live orchestration was breathtaking, especially the expanded drum section that made us want to get out of our seat with their powerful and groovy beats. Each character’s unique musical theme was rendered with remarkable fidelity and passion, enhancing their personalities and stories. The symphony’s rendition of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” was a standout, with its infectious rhythms and intricate harmonies performed with such precision and energy that the audience couldn’t help but sing along, tap their feet and sway to the beats. Similarly, “Surface Pressure,” with its driving beat and empowering lyrics, resonated powerfully through the hall, amplifying the song’s message of inner strength and resilience and resonating with fans, young and old alike.
Davies Symphony Hall is known for its superb acoustics, and this performance just reaffirmed and magnified the massive sounds that provided the perfect backdrop for this magical fusion of music and animation collaboration. The hall’s state-of-the-art sound system ensured that every note, from the subtlest flute to the most powerful brass and even the giant harp, was heard with crystal clarity. This allowed the audience to fully appreciate the intricate layers of Miranda’s compositions and the extraordinary talent of the San Francisco Symphony musicians.
The evening was filled with moments of pure joy and wonder. The vibrant visuals of “Encanto,” with its rich colours and imaginative settings, paired beautifully with the live music, create a more profound love for Disney’s wonderful and enchanting tale.
Every musician’s performance added depth to the film’s emotional moments, such as Mirabel’s heartfelt solo “Waiting on a Miracle” and the touching “Dos Oruguitas,” which poignantly portrayed themes of love, family, and reconciliation.
Audience reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with frequent applause and cheers echoing through the hall. Children and adults alike were visibly enthralled, their faces and smiles lighting up with each musical and visual flourish – it was a family affair. The spectacular performance concluded with a standing-room ovation, a testament to the evening’s success and the profound impact of this harmonious blend of storytelling and symphonic art.
The San Francisco Symphony’s presentation of “Encanto” at Davies Symphony Hall was a magical celebration of music and animation and one that will be remembered. This event highlighted the enchanting power of Disney’s storytelling and showcased, once again, the exceptional talent of the San Francisco Symphony and all of its gifted players who gave a masterclass in musicianship. It was an unforgettable evening where the magical world of “Encanto” was brought to life in a way that was as heartwarming as it was awe-inspiring, leaving a lasting impression of joy and a sense of wonder. For those that didn’t make it, well, let’s hope you don’t make that mistake next time!
For more info on the SF Symphony go to: www.sfsymphony.org
