The force will be strong as ASO perform “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert”

The force will be with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra on May the Fourth commonly known as Star Wars day world-wide, as Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back will be performed on Saturday 4 May, 7pm Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena.

Since the release of the first Star Wars movie over 40 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, ground-breaking special effects and iconic musical scores composed by Williams.

The battle for the galaxy intensifies in this thrilling fifth episode of the unfolding saga. As Imperial Forces launch an all-out attack on the Rebel Alliance, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) flee to Cloud City where they are captured by Darth Vader. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) journeys to the mysterious, marshy planet of Dagobah, where the wise Jedi Master Yoda teaches the young hero the ways of the Force.

Little does Luke know that all his Jedi training will be called upon soon. A stunning revelation – and a seemingly life-or-death duel with Darth Vader – await.

The film is a firm favourite among many of the players, who fondly recall their memories of first seeing the film ASO Trombonist Ian Denbigh, says “I saw the original Star Wars in Regent Theatre in 1977. I LOVED IT! As the Imperial Battlecruiser passed overhead and the Orchestra erupted into a huge C major chord with Brass fanfare I was hooked!”

“This film was really important in me discovering Orchestral music. It was the 1st recording I bought of an Orchestra.(London Symphony Orchestra with Maurice Murphy playing 1st trumpet on a double cassette tape!) I had only started playing trombone the year before and to hear the difference that fantastic music could make to a dramatic film was inspiring. I am SO looking forward to playing the whole score.

“John Williams scores reignited the importance that music can bring to film storytelling. His scores were the background to my teenage years. Jaws to Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, ET and more. They inspired me to practise and want to play his music with a full Orchestra. On May Fourth I get the chance!”

Michael Robertson ASO’s viola player says, “I love Williams’ score so much because he has cleverly brought together the styles of superb composers such as Holst, Stravinsky and Wagner.  Also like a Wagnerian opera he gives characters musical themes, which enhances your connection with them and their path through the drama. When Darth Vader enters the Rebel Base on the ice planet of Hoth to the menacing music of the Imperial March – chilling.”  

Whilst ASO violinist Ann Axelby says, “my favourite musical moment in the Empire Strikes Back score is Princess Leia and Han Solo’s love theme as he is being frozen in carbonite.”

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Managing Director Vincent Ciccarello said, “ASO’s  Showcase Series has something for everyone. John Williams’ legendary score paired with one of the most critically-acclaimed films of all time will make this screen and sound extravaganza one not to forget!  Enjoy the most memorable moments from the film, including Darth Vader’s instantly recognisable theme, The Imperial March in full symphonic surround sound I assure you it will be out of this World!”.

The ASO is a world-class symphony orchestra, in addition to presenting classic repertoire the orchestra has a reputation for its versatility in its Showcase Series of concerts that embraces popular contemporary music, adding pow to pop, while soundscapes burst beyond the cinema screen and patriotic anthems swell to their fullest glory. Don’t miss the second concert in the series for 2019.

SHOWCASE SERIES      Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert

Saturday 4 May, 7pm, Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena

Conductor                    Nicholas Buc

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is rated PG for sci-fi violence and brief mild language

The Star Wars: Film Concert Series is produced under license by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox and Warner/Chappell Music. STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Cheree McEwin, Publicist Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

08 8233 6205 / 0416 181 679 / mcewinc@aso.com.au