Epic, Wondrous, Magical

Conductor Benjamin Northey is well versed in movie music, having led each of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra’s Star Wars concerts to date. He returns to Perth next week for three incredible performances of this classic film at the Riverside Theatre.

WASO at the Movies concerts have something for everybody; whether you’re a fan of the film, the music or both, “People love the sheer originality of the premise of Star Wars and the timelessness of the good vs evil struggle. For music lovers above all it’s the incredible quality of the John Williams score which was a landmark in 20th century music.”

Star Wars has stood the test of time with new films in the series and new generations of fans, “I’m old enough to have seen all of these films at the cinema as a kid when they first came out. It’s hard to explain the impact, it was like entering a new world. I think Empire Strikes Back is the best of all the Star Wars movies, and has the best music. It’s a huge play for the orchestra and tests everybody. The difficulty is what makes it so rewarding.”

As Imperial Forces launch an all-out attack on the Rebel Alliance, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) flee to Cloud City where they are captured by Darth Vader. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) journeys to the mysterious, marshy planet of Dagobah, where the wise Jedi Master Yoga teaches the young hero the ways of the Force.

Little does Luke know that all his Jedi training will be called upon so soon. A stunning revelation – and a seeming life-or-death duel with Darth Vader await.

While all of John Williams’ score provides a certain atmosphere, there are some pieces that are instantly recognisable “Nothing makes your hair stand up on the back of your neck like the opening title of Star Wars! But in The Empire Strikes Back we also hear the famous Imperial March for the first time which is truly terrifying.”

The three words Benjamin would use to describe the music from The Empire Strikes Back? “Epic, Wondrous, Magical.”

What are you waiting for? Grab your lightsaber and join us for a night of movie magic backed by the majestic West Australian Symphony Orchestra.

May the force be with you.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert
Riverside Theatre, Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre
Friday 6 September – 7.30pm
Saturday 7 September – 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Tickets at https://www.waso.com.au/concerts-tickets/whats-on/concert/star-wars-the-empire-strikes-back