A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES
Lights , camera , action …
And there was plenty of action when more than 250 musicians , actors , dancers and singers took to the stage in a performing arts extravaganza celebrating cinema ’ s relationship with the world of music .
The Foundation Orchestra started the show with a medley of some of John Williams ’ best-known melodies brilliantly conducted by Mr Palmer , including the haunting ‘ Hedwig ’ s Theme ’ from the Harry Potter films . Next , the audience was transported to a scene from one of my favourite films , Jurassic Park , and also taken to ‘ a galaxy far , far away ’, as the Star Wars fanfare sounded an unforgettable finale with Luke Skywalker gazing out from the giant cinema screen behind .
Conducted by Mrs Kiggell , the Wind Band gave a dazzling performance of The Big Country , and I dressed as the Milkybar Kid in a white cowboy hat , tan waistcoat and red bandana defeating Black-Hearted Grace ( Grace Yu ) in a milk-drinking contest and throwing a handful of Milky Bars into the audience . The captivating Pirates of the Caribbean melodies which followed gripped the audience , as pirates swashbuckled on stage combining music , film and live theatre into one unique adventure .
As the movies slid into the classic age of Hollywood , Sevenoaks Strings performed the legendary ‘ Love Theme ’ from The Godfather and ‘ Intermezzo ’ from Cavalleria Rusticana . Each of our gentle melodies was contrasted with two powerful scenes acted in front of us showing how music adds emotion and intensity to big screen moments .
The incredible harmonies from the ballads ‘ Hushabye Mountain ’ and ‘ Moon River ’ really showcased the talents of the Senior Girls Ensemble and the Middle School Chamber Choir with Mr Dyer . They were accompanied by a breathtaking performance of dancing and umbrella twirling in the famous scene
42 PERFORMING ARTS