Released to great acclaim in 1940, Walt Disney’s timeless masterpiece Fantasia was a bold experiment that blended animated imagery with classical music to create a true celebration of sight and sound. And on October 22 you can relive all the magic when the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra presents highlights from the beloved film, and its sequel Fantasia 2000, at the Concourse in Chatswood.
Conducted by George Ellis, Disney Fantasia in Concert Live to Film will feature scenes from the two movies projected in high definition on a large screen while the orchestra plays classical selections of the score below on stage. The instantly recognisable set list will include Beethoven’s ‘The Pastoral Symphony’, Debussy’s ‘Clair de Lune’, Elgar’s ‘Pomp and Circumstance’, Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker Suite’ and Dukas’ ‘The Sorcerer's Apprentice’.
The original score was conducted by Leopold Stokowski with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and recorded in stereophonic sound – which was still an experimental medium at the time. It would go on to help cement Fantasia as not only a genuine cinema classic, but also one of the most groundbreaking animated features of all time.
Disney Fantasia in Concert Live to Film has not been performed in Sydney for a very long time, and is sure to be an unforgettable and revelatory experience for both long-time fans and those seeing the Disney flicks for the very first time.
For more information and to secure your tickets to this exclusive two-show run, visit the website. This event is part of Chatswood Culture Bites 2022, Willoughby City Council’s innovative program of music, theatre and comedy.