Reviewer: Connor S. Rousseau
Venue: The Temple Theatre
The Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra debuted their 90th season with a remarkable repertoire of timeless music known to all movie-lovers. People of all ages visited the Temple Theatre since the selection of music catered to all. Some audience members even dressed up as Jedi or students from Hogwarts, happy to geek out for the special occasion. Fouad Fakhouri, the orchestra’s conductor, took the stage and began with the “Star Spangled Banner,” our patriotic and unifying anthem. The audience stood and sang along, and in a time when social media incessantly informs us of our division, this introduction to the concert reminded us that we have more in common than we often realize. I would like to see the orchestra begin all their concerts with the anthem that unites us as Americans. Such an introduction can overpower the cacophony of controversies online.
Fakhouri then wasted no time in directing John Williams’ “Tribute to the Film Composer,” a medley of some of cinema’s most revered music. Great movies require great music, and this opening showcased music from movies such as Bridge on the River Kwai, Jaws, The Pink Panther, Titanic, and The Magnificent Seven. Film fanatics were treated with a diversity of music that spans decades. There is nothing so exciting as hearing a tune you can immediately name. While concerts of course must limit their musical selections to fit the appropriate length, “Tribute to the Film Composer” ensured more songs could receive their moment in the spotlight.
Music conjures up images in our head. It is a catalyst for our memories to spark and send our minds to past events and experiences. It is one of our most poignant senses, and John Williams understands its power in film. Because of this, I was able to imagine movies playing out in my own head as I heard the music. This is especially true in the suite from the movie Psycho, an Alfred Hitchcock classic I can thank my dad for introducing me to. When the strings shrieked in unison, I could picture the shower, the knife, the silhouette, and the terror. The same is true when the “James Bond Suite” played, and I could picture 007 dodging bullets while wielding his Walther PPK. I could see the explosions and boat chases. I could hear the one-liners and the see tuxedos and romance, all without a single image on stage, just music.
It’s also important to understand that great music doesn’t just occur in a music hall or a movie, but also in video games. As an avid gamer, I know firsthand that some of the most successful and enjoyable games have musical scores that carry great meaning. Any gamer in the audience could certainly appreciate the main title from the Medal of Honor video games. Whether it’s the hero’s theme or “boss music,” the music possesses a story in and of itself and helps transport the gamer into the imaginative world they navigate. The music can be dark, lively, grim, energetic, foreboding… Without this vital element, a video game’s story is incomplete. This concept is understood by musicians like John Williams, musicians who understand that a movie or video game needs memorable music if it wishes to become immortalized.
I’ll admit I was shocked to realize that the “Raider’s March” from the Indiana Jones series wasn’t part of the program, but the orchestra likes to hide a special song for after the bows and standing ovations. I was hoping the orchestra would pay this fantastic movie and its music a tribute, and they did not disappoint.
Ultimately, a movie is only as good as its score, and the concert certainly proved that. It’s difficult to imagine the Star Wars or Indiana Jones films without the brilliance of its music. The same goes for movies in the James Bond series, Harry Potter, and more. Music makes or breaks a movie, and some of the world’s best films have music to thank for their success.
There is much more in store for the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra’s 90th season, and I look forward to hearing everything they have to offer. They are certainly off to a good start.