Sudbury Symphony Orchestra executive director Jennifer McGillivray recently watched the 1975 film “Jaws” for the first time, and it certainly left an impression on her.
“I remember thinking if it wasn't for the score, this movie would not be scary at all,” she said.
“But that music is so horrifying. I went for a swim in my very clear pool after. My husband grabbed my legs, and I screamed like a child.
“Would these movies be exciting, would you have that sense of adventure, would you be so engaged if it wasn't for this fantastic, fantastic music?”
The symphony orchestra kicks off its 41st season Oct. 1 by paying homage to the music of the silver screen with its two Movie Magic concerts.
The first concert takes place at 2:30 p.m. at Glad Tidings Tabernacle, and is geared towards families.
Just an hour long, the concert costs $25 for a family, and includes a “musical petting zoo,” where kids are invited to try out instruments. Expect to hear the themes from Harry Potter, Star Wars and Spider Man.
“We're calling it a beat the back to school blahs kind of thing,” McGillivray said. “You've been back to school for a month, it's fall, it's doldrumey, ome see an amazing show.”
The second Movie Magic performance of the day takes place at Glad Tidings at 7:30 p.m. For the evening performance, several musical pieces have been added, including the Lord of the Rings theme.
“This is really largely a tribute to the incredible music of John Williams, who's written honestly the scores from probably most of our favourite movies in this generation,” McGillivray said.
Back in June, the SSO announced that Mélanie Léonard has been chosen as the symphony's new musical director. The Oct. 1 Movie Magic concerts are her first with the SSO in her new role.
“We have an incredible season coming up,” McGillivray said. “It's our first season with Mélanie Léonard at the helm, and we're going to be doing some really exciting new things.”
The includes a performance of Handel's Messiah in November featuring local singers, a celebration of Canadian composers in April in honour of Canada's 150th birthday and the opera Noye's Fludde next June, geared to younger audiences.
SSO tickets are available on its website.
