Sharing is caring!

How do I review the performance Philharmonia at the Movies: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial ? What can I say about either ET, Steven Spielberg, John Williams or the Philharmonia that hasn’t already been said before?

Philharmonia at the Movies: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial sees an 80-piece orchestra perform John Williams’ much-loved score live to this all-time great Spielberg cinematic classic on the big screen at Royal Festival Hall.

This performance of Philharmonia at the Movies: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial received a 10 minute standing ovation, with the conductor, the superb Anthony Gabriele, having to come out for bows 3 times! So, what on earth can my review of Philharmonia at the Movies: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial say that you don’t already know, by taking it for granted, that this performance was spectacular?

So I will write about the combination of live music with the cinema instead. I will recommend this format for all parents who want to introduce their children to classical music and live performances. There were so many families there and the atmosphere was joyous. I have never felt so relaxed watching classical music. It is perfect for families and was an excellent way of introducing a live orchestra to my son.

My son has high functioning autism and he avoids loud music (I found this out when he came screaming out of his first school disco). As a result of this I have not taken him yet to any live concerts, festivals or live music. I also struggle to keep him in a seat if he is not visually stimulated, so sitting down just to watch music has not interested him! He loves watching films and I felt this was the perfect medium for him to see a full live orchestra for the first time.

I was right, Philharmonia at the Movies: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was perfect.

We could talk about the different instruments, the different sections of the orchestra, where they sit, what the conductor does. He could see how the music and musicians interacted with the film creating the emotion and atmosphere.

We spent equal amounts of time watching the orchestra and the screen, and the laughter and audience reaction just added to the whole performance. My son was totally engaged and asked immediately if we can do it again soon with another film.

It was thrilling, entertaining, educational and a chance to see true masters of the screen and orchestra combine to create a very memorable experience.

There are more opportunities coming up through the year (2001: A Space Odyssey in June!)

We will definitely be going again!

https://philharmonia.co.uk/