This is the fifth year the Georgia Philharmonic has performed at Dragon Con. Each year, there has always been a level of barely-contained excitement to the anticipation of the arrangement that will be performed. Each year, we think that it can’t get any better. Each year we are wrong. It’s always better.
This year was no exception.
The Hyatt Centennial was filled to capacity of over 3,000 people Saturday night as people waited for the lights to dim and the music to begin.
After the orchestra was seated, Desmon, the narrator, came out on stage. In his rich, deep voice, he thanked everyone for coming and welcomed the orchestra.
The guest conductor came out on stage dressed as Loki. He couldn’t help but smile that devilish smile. He was flattered at the enthusiastic response he received.
The opening was the theme to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The “aw” rolled through the audience as childhood memories came to mind.
The program began. The list of music was magically coordinated to make for an incredible evening. The pieces performed included the following:
- “Also Sprach Zarathustra,” famously used in the classic film 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Themes from Aladdin and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
- Batman themes from the 1966 television series and from Dark Knight Rises
- Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty Waltz” by
- “Once Upon a Dream” from Maleficent
- “The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Medley”
- “Gremlins Suite”
- “Mario Brothers Medley”
- “The Wizard of Oz Suite”
- “Adagio” from Alien 3
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban “Movement IV, A Bridge to the Past” and “Movement V, Double Trouble”
- “Star Wars The Force Awakens Suite”
- “Star Trek Through the Years”
- Pippin’s Song “End of Night” and music from Lord of the Rings/Return of the King
- Game of Thrones
The encore piece was a medley from the classic Star Wars.
This year’s format was very different. There were ballet dancers and a pair of young ballroom dancers, and the screen behind the orchestra would change with various pictures that matched the music. Desmon also interacted with the conductor in a verbal sparing of sorts. The singers were all in costume, which would change depending on the song they were singing.
At the close of the performance, Desmon thanked the audience, the crew, and ended with a quote from Stan “The Man” Lee: “That person who helps others simply because it should or must be done, and because it is the right thing to do, is indeed without a doubt, a real superhero.”
Georgia Philharmonic is a philharmonic in the truest sense of the word: local musicians unite and perform out of their love of music. In doing so, the artists create classical music experiences that not only rival those of professional orchestras, but also delight and inspire audience members. Enthusiasts become repeat patrons, volunteers, and donors. Serving the communities of northern metropolitan Atlanta with cultural enhancement and education is our goal. Sharing their love and appreciation of fine music is their passion.
Fans of Dragon Con and of this talented philharmonic orchestra look forward to a stellar performance again next year. In the meantime, if you live in the area or come to Atlanta during the year, you should check out their other performances. Their web site is http://www.georgiaphilharmonic.org, which will have all of their upcoming dates.
