NAC: Lord of the Rings in Concert

Just when you thought some things are only a distant memory in the past, there’s a certain kind of amazement that comes in realizing some feelings or memories can be brought back just by whiff of a scent or a playback of a sound. 

Art in any form is still art and that’s how I feel about most of the things that have been rendered obsolete by many. 

I may be wrong in saying this but it does seem like the Opera/the Orchestra is somewhat of a dying art. Yes, it’s still played at the most prestigious theatres and opera houses all over the world but it seems that not only that it has never gone main stream but it’s really lost on new audiences, the younger generation.

Legolas. Photo Courtesy of: The Official Website of the Lord of the Rings in Concert

I think there is something that is misunderstood about it. For one, it’s always deemed as pretentious and bourgeoisie and that I think is a matter of mis-education. Nonetheless, it certainly has not helped bring the opera to the masses. 

The Lord of the Rings Middle Earth Tavern
Photo Courtesy of: The National Arts Centre / Trevor Lush

The Hobbits and the Elves at The Lord of the Rings Middle Earth Tavern

Photo Courtesy of: The National Arts Centre / Trevor Lush

And if that is indeed the case, that is one sad and less musical future.

But there may be hope after all.

Frodo. Photo Courtesy of: The Official Website of the Lord of the Rings in Concert

Last week, I had the sweet fortune of being invited to the National Art Centre’s premiere of the Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring in Concert.

It was a visual and aural feast for the senses and it awakened nostalgic reckoning from that time I saw Lord of the Rings for the very first time. There is something quite captivating with a live orchestra providing the film score to a movie that captured that hearts and imaginations of millions.

Photo Courtesy of: The Official Website of the Lord of the Rings in Concert

A giant movie screen was set up in the middle of the NAC’s Southam Hall, with an army of musicians making up the revered NAC Orchestra, sits right in front like a well-trained battalion ready to explode with a musical crescendo during the mighty battle between Gandalf and Saruman. It was the perfect marriage of music and film as Academy Award Winner Howard Shore brings J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary world into vivid real life. And he did so in a dramatic live concert experience that was captivating right from the exciting start, all the way to the promising finish.

LJ (or Ms. LJ Dizon, Twenty York Street’s Fashion Intern) and I sat there in amazement, fully living the film’s deep emotions, thrilling vistas and the grand journey to Tolkien’s Middle-earth. It was mesmerizing to see the orchestra move in precise unison, the fervent strokes of the violinist, the violent and percussive sounds of Japanese taiko drums, metal bell plates and chains, the rumbling bass drum beats, and the sweet enchanting high voice of the female soprano… it was like a musical roller coaster like no other.

Pride of the Capital: The National Arts Centre Orchestra

Photo Courtesy of: The National Arts Centre

On a more pragmatic note, one of the things that strike me the most about the orchestra, aside from the evident musical talent of course is the wide range of diversity amongst the group. A very progressive sentiment I think. Young, old, men and women and musicians from all races all come together to create a live cinematic and operatic performance that will linger with you for a long, long time.

The Lord of the Rings In Concert, Main Lobby, NAC-CNA

Photo Courtesy of:  Ms. LJ Dizon of Twenty York Street 
(Wish we have a non-blurry photo of her as well but do take a peek at her FB page)

With all these being said, the Opera may just have its special place in the future after all. Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring in Concert is for everyone – if you’ve never been exposed to opera but Lord of the Rings (or vice versa), this is still an event you should absolutely experience. The astounding musical skills, combined with the visual imagery talents of film director Peter Jackson, will leave your heart, ears, eyes and mind full and longing for more.