Home Alone in Concert

QSO’s contribution to the festive season this last weekend included a live performance of John William’s score to the Christmas-favourite movie Home Alone, this time with the orchestra firmly in the spotlight. With popular guest conductor Nicolas Buc at the helm, a fitting choice for this kind of genre being a composer and arranger himself, it also featured local choir Voices of Birralee in the second half, used to full effect with some masterful harmonies and scoring at play and bringing pastoral warmth and colour for additional effect.

Though the movie became a huge success, almost a franchise as such, it’s remains a mainstream family movie kindled by a very simple theme and Xmas message, well-produced and presented despite initial production issues so prevalent in the movie industry. But what really elevates it is the sparkling musical accompaniment and orchestration. Williams writes for an enormous palette of instruments, from the lowest tuba to a glittering array of high-range percussion, filling the stage to the brim in contrast to the spacious auditorium.

Being a fan of film music, I was certainly not disappointed by the opportunity to experience the colourful score rich so in texture and orchestration nor indeed viewing the complexity of adding a score to a myriad of so many varying scenes, often with a comic twist. Also of interest was the opportunity to view the modern use of electronics, providing less stress for the conductor valiantly keeping everything in sync. A job well done by the conductor who in this kind of scenario doesn’t usually have free rein.

The concert concluded with an impressive and energetic playoff over the credits followed by a rousing Christmas opus from the choir and orchestra. I’m not familiar with the work and there was no program at hand was but it was an apt choice and superbly performed by all concerned bringing the concert to a resounding close.

This thoughtfully curated program, requiring even additional guest musicians to meet the score’s demands, was clearly appreciated by the audience. It served as a terrific showcase of Queensland’s wide-ranging musical talent and a choice addition to the festive season.

Brian Adamson