Symphony uses 'the force' to attract new audience

It's an idea that initially made even George Lucas skeptical: Have an orchestra play "Star Wars" music. Show clips from the movies on a big screen. Add special effects.

This is no Jedi mind trick - it's an actual symphony set to "Star Wars."

And at 7 p.m. Sunday at our very own Death Star - Scope - you can experience it, crossbow and tie optional.

The Hollywood Reporter said "Star Wars: In Concert" was "fresh and new."

The Orange County Register called it "more of a multimedia extravaganza... than a mere concert."

Wired magazine gushed that "it becomes virtually impossible for 'Star Wars' fans not to enjoy this show."

But what "Star Wars" thing isn't a hit, at least commercially? Well, OK, besides Jar Jar Binks.

Still, for the first time in a while, the magic of the movie has been recaptured, through "Star Wars: In Concert," and not seen by critics and fans as some lame attempt to pimp product. You can thank legendary composer John Williams, who won an Oscar for his "Star Wars" music.

"It's our Mozart," says longtime fan Michael Shipp, a 39-year-old father of two from Norfolk. "My first experience with classical music is this 'Star Wars' music. When I found out (this concert) was coming, I had to go."

There was a time not too long ago when symphonies could rely on the traditional classics - Beethoven, Brahms and the like - to attract audiences. But times and tastes have changed. Performing arts groups, needing to attract a more diverse audience, are appealing to the masses.

Enter concerts of - are you ready for this? - James Bond music. "Lord of the Rings." And also on Sunday, a concert of Harry Potter music by the Virginia Symphony at Chrysler Hall (see story at right).

"It's immensely popular," Virginia Symphony conductor Matthew Kraemer says. "There's that immediate appeal the public can identify with.... We'll still keep the classics because that's our core, but it's in all orchestras' best interests to reach as many people as possible, and movies are a great route to do that."

Shipp says he's seen the first "Star Wars" movie (which is actually the fourth - don't ask) "well over" 200 times. And he wouldn't be alone.

It's that kind of devotion that makes him believe he'll have plenty of company Sunday.

"I think it could bring people," Shipp says, "who normally wouldn't go to the symphony."

That's what they're counting on, my Padawan.

Size matters not

Important pairings in the "Star Wars" universe: Luke and Leia. Han and Chewie. R2 and C-3PO. Jabba the Hutt and any food group.

Then there's Belgian conductor Dirk Brossé and his 86-piece orchestra.

It'll be his job to make sure the right music matches the right clips from all six movies as they detail how a latchkey kid named Anakin falls in with the wrong crowd.

Timing will be everything. So will performing.

"The musical language of John Williams is very unique and original," explains Brossé, 49. "You recognize the music as soon as you hear the opening tones. Sometimes three notes is enough. Only Beethoven did that. Reproducing them is quite a challenge."

But that's not all. There are lots of lasers.

A three-story-tall LED screen to show movie scenes.

Anthony Daniels - aka C-3PO - narrating.

An 80-person choir.

Flames and smoke.

Did we mention lots of lasers?

As a bonus, there will be an exhibit of "Star Wars" costumes, props and other memorabilia.

Still, in the end it's the music that matters.

"That's half of the 'Star Wars' experience," says Virginia Beach resident Patrick Quevedo, 36, who remembers needing his dad's help to read the "A long time ago..." crawl when the original movie debuted in 1977. "It's the music you walk away with.

"I've never been opposed to going to the symphony, but... if this isn't going to make you go, you're never going to."

There's also magic this weekend:

 Otherworldly.

That’s how Virginia Symphony conductor Matthew Kraemer describes the soundtrack for the “Harry Potter” movies.

That’s also the experience he promises for “Harry Potter’s Musical Muggle Tour,” which will feature scores from the franchise.

Hold on. There’s an actual score to the “Harry Potter” movies? Who knew?

Believe it, Kraemer says. You might not realize it while watching, but the music – much of which comes from icon John Williams – is a big reason the movies have connected with people so deeply.

“I can’t imagine the movie working as well without him,” Kraemer explains. “The music itself creates an ethereal sound.”

Mike Kernels, (757) 446-2732, mike.kernels@pilotonline.com