Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: Heroes & Aliens

They could only open with one thing: ‘Star Wars” main titles by John Williams which featured thrilling, stunning brass and set the fun tone for the whole evening. Williams was also responsible for evening highlight ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ a more modern, eerie piece that was intricately layered and moving played.

The ‘Dr. Who’ theme was a crowd favourite and there were evocative moments from a wide range of sci tv shows and films such as pieces from ‘Armageddon’ and ‘Apollo 13’. Conductor Pete Harrison was charismatic and clearly loved the music, informing the audience of interesting Straussian or Wagnerian influences while also being charismatic and funny. Also noteworthy was the tingly atmosphere in the hall created by excitable children and adults revelling in their favourite tunes.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 6 February 2016

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