One of the most spectacular, time-honored traditions at Dragon Con is the Georgia Philharmonic performing. Each year, there has always been a level of barely-contained excitement and 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, Mark Taylor, the narrator, came out on stage. With wit and wisdom, he thanked everyone for coming and welcomed the orchestra.
Newly installed conductor Tamara Dworetz set the tone of the concert by coming out in costume, as Bo-Katan from the TV series The Mandalorian. The crowd roared with joy as Dworetz embraced the Dragon Con family. After all, this is the way.
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”
- The Mandalorian Main Theme
- Star Wars Suite
- Star Trek: Into Darkness
- Batman – Dark Knight Rises
- Superman Returns (Concert Selections from the Motion Picture)
- The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
- Video Games Live (Suite)
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
- Encanto – “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”
- Doctor Who – “I am the Doctor”
- Main Titles and Cello Solo from Wednesday (“Paint it Black”)
- Soloists: Jeremy Woolstenhulme, Jake Hood
The encore piece was a medley from Star Wars.
At the close of the performance, Taylor thanked the audience. He did an incredible job of voice impressions keeping the crowd entertained between pieces.
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 website will have all of their upcoming dates.
