San Francisco USA
Written by Sason Bishope Parry & Pari Norovzian
On Thursday, May 23, Davies Symphony Hall was transformed into an epic arena where the grandeur of ancient Rome and the power of modern symphonic music converged. The San Francisco Symphony’s presentation of Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator,” accompanied by a live orchestral performance, was nothing short of spectacular, offering an unforgettable experience that will be etched in the memories of all who attended.
The reception halls were packed with fans and chatter about the upcoming epic film and one of my favourites of all time. I could hear ramblings of people talking about a young Russell Crowe in his prime, dawning a Caesar cut and a film that garnished him an Academy Award. Once the bells rang, fans rushed to their seats. It was a packed night, and from the moment the lights dimmed, and the first notes of Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard’s iconic score filled the hall, it was clear that this evening would be extraordinary.
The San Francisco Symphony was conducted with precision and passion by guest conductor Justin Freer who took the stage and spoke about his excitement with the movie and score and how he once played at the actual Coliseum in Rome. “On June 6, 2018, I was honoured to be invited to conduct a Gladiator live concert at the Colosseum in Rome, Italy as a fundraising event for “End Polio Now”. The concert featured a 150-piece orchestra with the film projected on a large screen while we performed the score live. In attendance were Academy Award winner Russell Crowe, Connie Nielsen, Francesco Totti, and other honourable and special guests. We raised over $500,000 for polio eradication efforts and it’s still to date one of my most treasured and exciting performances.”
He went on to deliver a performance that brought the film’s music to life with remarkable depth and emotion. Each swell of the strings, each triumphant blast of the brass, and every haunting vocal passage was rendered with such clarity and intensity that it felt like the music was a living, breathing entity. San Francisco’s finest orchestra was simply magnificent on every note!
Russell Crowe’s powerful portrayal of Maximus Decimus Meridius on the screen above and the symphony’s incredible rendition of the score created an immersive experience that transcended the typical movie-going encounter. The live music added layers of emotional resonance and immediacy to the film’s narrative, making the audience feel every victory, every sorrow, and every moment of fierce determination with heightened impact. The meticulous synchronization between the visuals on the screen and the live orchestration was a testament to the musicians’ and technical crew’s skill and dedication.
Highlights of the evening included the heart-pounding “Battle” sequence, where the frenetic energy of the orchestra perfectly matched the chaos and intensity of the on-screen combat, and the poignant “Elysium” theme, which evoked a profound sense of longing and loss. Lisa Gerrard’s ethereal voice, echoing through the hall and brought to life beautifully by Soprano Ayana Haviv, added a transcendent quality to the performance, underscoring the film’s themes of honour, vengeance, and redemption.
The audience responded overwhelmingly positively, with thunderous applause and standing ovations punctuating the evening. Many attendees, visibly moved by the performance, remarked on the unique and powerful combination of live music and film, noting how the symphony’s interpretation of Zimmer and Gerrard’s score brought new dimensions to a beloved cinematic classic.
In conclusion, the San Francisco Symphony’s presentation of “Gladiator” at Davies Symphony Hall was a resounding success, offering a majestic blend of cinematic artistry and symphonic brilliance. This event not only celebrated the enduring legacy of Ridley Scott’s film but also highlighted the transformative power of live orchestral music. For those fortunate enough to attend, it was a night where the past and present collided in a triumphant celebration of artistic excellence, leaving a lasting impression and setting a high bar for future collaborations between cinema and symphony. Another monumental achievement for San Francisco’s best orchestra!
For more info on the SF Symphony go to: www.sfsymphony.org