USA
Written by Michael David Martin
Picture a Thursday night in San Francisco around 7:30 p.m. on April 11th. Downtown is alive with a majestic energy as the city lights twinkle against the backdrop of towering skyscrapers. The streets are bustling with lots of activity as people hurry to make dinner reservations or make their way to the theatre for a show. The buildings stand tall and massive, their architectural styles blending old-world charm with modern sophistication. The iconic Transamerica Pyramid pierces the skyline, while historic landmarks like the Ferry Building add a touch of nostalgia to the overall scenery. As the sun dips below the horizon, a cool breeze carries the scent of saltwater from the nearby San Francisco Bay, mingling with the aroma of street food and delicious gourmet cuisines from bustling restaurants.
On Grove Street, in front of the Davies Symphony Hall, musicians serenade passersby with the soothing melodies of classical music, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. There’s a certain magic in the air, a sense of possibility and adventure that permeates the city streets. It’s a night ripe with potential, where anything can happen, and every corner holds the promise of discovery in the vibrant tapestry that is San Francisco. Imagine the San Francisco Symphony filling the grand hall with their orchestra’s rich, powerful sounds while a large choir adds depth and resonance to the music.
Picture two soprano singers, their voices soaring above the orchestra, captivating the audience with their stunning performances. Together, they create an unforgettable musical experience, transporting listeners to the enchanting world of The Lord of the Rings. Picture the capacity hall audience at the San Francisco Symphony, eagerly awaiting the performance in a sea of elegant attire. The excitement in the seats is palpable as patrons chatter in anticipation of the featured show. Every seat is filled, creating a crowd buzzing with excitement for the magical journey they’re about to embark on with San Francisco’s favourite ensemble of classical musicians and the enchanting world of the epic tale, The Lord of the Rings.
That was the fantastic setting for a perfect fusion of a magical film accompanied by live music. “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” is the first instalment of the epic fantasy trilogy directed and brought to magnificent life by Peter Jackson. The film was based on the novels by the great fantasy storyteller J.R.R. Tolkien. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a young hobbit from the Shire, who embarks on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring, an ancient and powerful artefact created by the dark lord Sauron. Frodo is joined by a diverse group of characters, each with their unique strengths and personalities.
There’s Gandalf the Grey, the wise and powerful wizard who guides and protects Frodo on his quest. Aragorn, a skilled ranger and heir to the throne of Gondor, becomes a steadfast
ally and leader of the Fellowship. Legolas, an elven archer, and Gimli, a dwarf warrior, bring their own expertise to the group. Other members of the Fellowship include Frodo’s loyal friends and fellow hobbits, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, who provide comic relief and unwavering support throughout the journey. Together, they face countless dangers, including treacherous landscapes, deadly creatures, and the relentless pursuit of Sauron’s forces, all while striving to keep the fate of Middle Earth from falling into darkness.
The first half of the long film was mind-blowing. During intermission, the orchestra and conductor, Ludwig Wicki, were met with a sea of non-stop applause and cheers. Audience members then rose from their seats, stretching their legs, and echoes of excited chatter about the performance could be heard through the aisles. Some patrons made their way to the bar to loosen up with a glass of their favourite cocktail, adding a touch of elegance to the evening. It was nice to see groups of friends gathering and sharing their impressions of the music while snapping photos to capture the moment.
Laughter and animated conversation filled the air as patrons mingled, discussing their favourite musical parts and eagerly anticipating the performance’s second half. The ambience is lively yet sophisticated, with the clinking of glasses and the murmur of voices blending harmoniously with the elegant surroundings of the concert hall. It’s a chance for attendees to unwind, socialize, and immerse themselves fully in the experience of a night at the symphony in beautiful San Francisco.
As the bells rang, signalling the start of the film’s second half, patrons quickly retook their seats. The musicians were already seated as conductor Wicki again took the stage to a roar of applause. He and the fantastic ensemble of players then proceeded to take us to even higher peaks of excitement and thrills. It was almost like the first half was the warmup, as part two was even more epic. Canadian composer Howard Shore won three Academy Awards for his fantastic composition, including Best Original Score. The San Francisco Symphony did him and Peter Jackson justice, taking the music and film beyond what I could have imagined.
As the final notes of the symphony rang out, there was a collective sense of awe and reverence in the air. The music and film came to a breathtaking conclusion, leaving the audience spellbound and deeply moved by the transcendent experience they’ve just shared. Emotions swirl as the last echoes fade away, leaving a lingering sense of wonder and fulfilment in their wake. It’s a moment of reflection and gratitude for the beauty and power of music to touch the soul and unite people in a shared moment of transcendence.
Leaving the concert hall is always a sombre mood, as a rollercoaster of emotions runs through your spirit from all that’s been taken in. As fans and I stepped out into the cool night air, everyone was still buzzing with the energy of the performance. The city streets were again alive with activity, but there was a sense of calm and contentment that only music could induce. The memories of the evening lingered on, and it was a wonderful night
to remember. There’s nothing like a magical journey through music and the vibrant streets of San Francisco, leaving you feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and grateful for the experience.
Artists
Ludwig Wicki (Conductor)
Pacific Boychoir Academy
San Francisco Symphony Chorus
San Francisco Symphony
FILM
Howard Shore (Composer)
Peter Jackson (Director)
For more info on the SF Symphony go to: www.sfsymphony.org.
