The Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s next performance, CSO at the Cinema, will appeal to seasoned concertgoers and cinephiles alike.
The Saturday 7 August concert will feature nine works spanning the western film canon; with ubiquitous works by John Williams and George Gershwin through to obscure Australian compositions of equal quality.
Conductor Jessica Gethin told Canberra Daily the CSO at the Cinema program will run the gamut of soundscapes; from beautiful, emotional moments through to ones of thrilling excitement.
“They are nine really contrasting works that all feature different parts of the orchestra and say something different,” she said.
“There is something in all the stories these pieces tell, and it offers different access to understanding music as well … If you haven’t tried out an orchestral concert, this is a great one to come along to.”
Alongside iconic film scores like the Star Wars and Harry Potter suites, the program includes lesser-known Australian film compositions such as Leah Curtis’ suite from To Rest in Peace and Nigel Westlake’s suite from Paper Planes.
“I’m really excited and encouraged to see two Australian works in the program, which is something the CSO has committed to and needs to happen far more,” Gethin said.
“These two particular works stand up against all the other works in the program; they’re very worthy and it’s very important we do keep showcasing these works.”
For Gethin, a good film score comes down to nailing a few different components: beautiful, iconic tunes and melodies; drive and excitement that brings us on a journey; and well-orchestrated compositions.
“What people love the most is connecting with people and storytelling,” she said.
“Part of that is done through capturing a sense of time and place and character and really being able to capture that in a soundscape; that’s what film music has to do.”
As a renowned touring conductor, Gethin has experience across ballet, opera, contemporary music and conducting film scores.
She conducted the original score for 2020 Australian animated movie 100% Wolf in a recording studio, in addition to numerous gala performances and touring shows featuring film classics.
“I’m probably a little unique from other conductors in that I don’t specialise in any area,” she said.
This performance will mark the first time Gethin has performed with the CSO. She said it’s “always exciting” to perform with different musical organisations.
“It’s always really exciting to develop a relationship with a new orchestra,” she said.
Gethin will fly over from Perth next week and have a few days with the Orchestra prior to CSO at the Cinema.
“You need to go from never meeting people before to developing trust on stage and good relationships and rapport, and deliver this as if you’ve known each other for years.
“That is part of my job, so it’s something you get used to.”
Having only ever passed through Canberra, Gethin is looking forward to exploring the city while she’s here.
“I tend to do a lot of exploring on foot, so I’ll make sure I leave my hotel room and learn a bit about Canberra because it’s such an important place in our national history,” she said.
CSO at the Cinema will be performed at Llewellyn Hall, ANU, Saturday 7 August 7.30pm; cso.org.au/cso-at-the-cinema
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