Training Orchestra

Programme notes

This 'Lights, Camera, Encore!' concert features individual performances and the combined forces of our symphony orchestras. The repertoire list gives you the running order and indicates which orchestra is performing (NYO Nottingham Youth Orchestra; NYIO Intermediate Orchestra, NYTO Training Orchestra; NYJO Jazz Orchestra).

1. NYTO - Let Me Entertain You

Before we begin, just a quick disclaimer - this is not the Robbie Williams version of Let Me Entertain You. So if you were expecting leather pants, pyrotechnics, and stadium rock... well, you might be in for a slightly more orchestral surprise!

'Let Me Entertain You' is a song from the film and musical Gypsy, by Stephen Sondheim and Julie Styne, where the mother, Rose, pushes her two daughters into a life on the Vaudeville circuit always hoping to break into the big time. One of the girls, Louise, latterly called Gypsy, sings this song while performing a striptease to tantalise the audience but in fact she never takes off more than one of her white gloves.

2. NYTO - (Everything I Do) I Do It For You

(Everything I Do) I Do It For You comes from the adventure/comedy film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, set loosely in the 12th century, in which Robin Hood, played by Kevin Costner, on landing on a beach on the south coast says to Azeem (Morgan Freeman) “tonight we will dine with my father in Nottingham”. No mean feat nowadays, let alone in the 12th century!

Despite mixed reviews the film went on to gross $390.5 million with the song Everything I Do, by Brian Adams winning the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

3. NYTO - Robin Hood And His Merry Men

'Robin Hood And His Merry Men' was composed by Korngold for the classic Errol Flynn swashbuckling film The Adventures Of Robin Hood. This is an extract from the film score, opening with a triumphant march and it also features subtle, even playful, moments. With strong melodies and rich harmonies, it is a perfect example of film music from a bygone era.

4. NYIO - How to Train Your Dragon

The Intermediate Orchestra kick off our first set with music from the film series 'How to Train Your Dragon'. Released in 2010, the first film takes place in a mythical Viking world where a young Viking teenager aspires to follow his tribe's tradition of becoming a dragon slayer. After capturing his first dragon and a chance to finally gain his tribe's acceptance, he ends up becoming friends with the dragon instead. The piece starts quietly as if the theme is slowly emerging from out of the mist. Then follows agitation, chaos and action before a return to the opening noble theme. The music is full of Celtic and Nordic influences.

5. NYIO - Symphonic Suite from Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The score for 'The Fellowship of the Ring', the first film in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, is one of the most acclaimed in cinematic history. Howard Shore's music develops themes of heroism, friendship, loss, and the eternal struggle between good and evil, all of which are central to the film's narrative. The score is full of recurring motifs that appear throughout the trilogy and convey the mythology of Tolkien's Middle-earth. The Suite takes us on a tour of the main ideas from the film, ranging from dark and unsettling to gentle and pastoral. We begin and end with the heroic 'Fellowship Theme' which brings the medley back full circle after the many sections explored in between.

6. NYO - Rhapsody in Blue

'Rhapsody in Blue' is a famous orchestral work by George Gershwin, first premiered on February 12, 1924, in New York City. The piece blends classical and jazz idioms, reflecting the dynamic energy and modernity of the early 20th century in America. Written for solo piano and jazz band with orchestra, it captures the vibrancy and improvisational feel of jazz while maintaining an orchestral structure that highlights Gershwin's skill as both a composer and pianist.

Gershwin composed 'Rhapsody in Blue' as part of a commission from bandleader Paul Whiteman, who wanted a piece that would "bridge the gap" between classical music and jazz. Gershwin was inspired by the bustling energy of New York City, its diverse cultural landscape, and its musical influences.

The work begins with the iconic clarinet glissando, followed by a piano entrance that introduces the central theme of the piece. This theme is flexible, transforming throughout the work, with various instrumental combinations. One of the most famous sections of the work is the piano's lyrical melody, showcasing Gershwin's ability to seamlessly blend the elegance of classical forms with the expressiveness of jazz.

The piano solos in 'Rhapsody in Blue' are central to its identity. They reflect Gershwin’s deep jazz roots and give the performer a chance to show off improvisational flair, though the piece is meticulously written out. The piano interacts with the orchestra throughout the piece, sometimes acting as a lyrical voice, and at other times, engaging in playful dialogue with the brass, woodwinds, and percussion.

'Rhapsody in Blue' has been featured in several movies, including Fantasia 2000 (1999), Manhattan (1979), The Great Gatsby (2013) and Rhapsody in Blue, subtitled The story of George Gershwin, a 1945 American biographical film about composer and musician George Gershwin.

PHILIP SHARP - PIANIST
As a soloist, Philip has performed at venues including Wigmore Hall, St Martin-in-the-Fields, and St John's, Smith Square, at international festivals including the 'Festival Pianistico Bartolomeo Cristofori' in Italy, and has given several live broadcasts on BBC Radio 3. In 2017, he was selected to be a Park Lane Group Artist, leading to several high-profile London recitals. Philip was also the only British pianist selected for the 2020 Orléans Piano Competition. Inheriting a keen love for new music from his tutor Dr Murray McLachlan, Philip has given several world premieres of works by some of the rising stars of British contemporary music, and has appeared with much-lauded contemporary music group Hebrides Ensemble.  As of April 2022, Philip is a tutor at St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh, Scotland’s specialist music school. 

7. INTERVAL

NYJO in the Bar!

8. NYTO - The Incredibles

'The Incredibles' is a Pixar Animation production for Disney Pictures where a family of undercover superheroes is trying to live an ordinary suburban life. However, Mr Incredible is lured into using his super hero powers to save the world from an evil robot but has to be saved by his family, each of whom has their own wonderful superpower.

9. NYTO - Beauty and the Beast

'Beauty And The Beast' is another Disney animated film, where an arrogant prince and his castle’s servants are cast under a spell by a wicked enchantress. The servants get turned into animated versions of items around the castle while the prince himself becomes an ugly beast.

Belle, a spirited girl from the nearby village, enters the Beast’s castle after he imprisons her father. With the help of the enchanted servants, she begins to draw the cold-hearted Beast out of his isolation and eventually their love for each other counters the spell and he turns back into a handsome prince and the servants also revert to their old selves and, as the saying goes, they all live happily ever after.

10. NYTO - Music from Frozen

Music from 'Frozen' a popular film again from the Disney animation stable. Snow Queen Elsa inadvertently turns her kingdom into one of constant winteriness. Her sister, Anna, teams up with mountaineer Kristoff and his reindeer, Sven, on an epic journey to find Elsa in time to save the kingdom of Arendelle. On the way they meet mystical trolls and the hilarious snowman named Olaf. In this medley from the film you will hear, Do You Want To Build A Snowman, For The First Time In Forever and the big hit Let It Go.

11. NYIO - Mission: Impossible Theme

The Intermediate Orchestra begin our second set with the theme from the 'Mission: Impossible' series of spy films. There are currently seven films and whilst the first dates back to 1996, an eighth will premiere later this year. All of the films share the same main theme music, as played by the orchestra today. The music is characterised by its 5/4 time signature, syncopated rhythms, and well known repeated riff, coloured with heavy use of percussion and stabbed punctuations.

12. NYIO - The Avengers

Composed by Alan Silvestri, the main theme from 'The Avengers' is one of the most iconic superhero themes in modern cinema. The theme has since become synonymous with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is heard in many of the franchise's key moments. The piece contains a march-like pulse throughout and energetic rhythms that drive the music forwards. The brass feature prominently in each statement of the theme, which is unmistakably heroic in character, and instantly recognisable to fans of the films.

13. NYIO - Music from Gladiator

We finish our set with music from Ridley Scott's 2000 epic 'Gladiator'. The film was a critical success, earning composer Hans Zimmer numerous accolades and helping cement his reputation as one of Hollywood’s leading film composers. The music opens with a dark mysterious introduction before we are launched into the first battle scene. The first battle motif is stately and noble but soon becomes dissonant and disjointed, reflecting the brutal chaotic nature of war. This medley, and indeed the entire film score, are full of contrasts between massive orchestration and sparse intimate moments. A soft legato lower string melody is taken up by solo trumpet in a more lyrical section before the final build-up begins. This final section starts distantly and demands a sustained crescendo to the enormous conclusion in a passage reminiscent of Holst's 'The Planets'.

14. NYO - Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones - Across the Stars

'Across the Stars' is the romantic love theme from John Williams' score for Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones. It accompanies the developing relationship between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, offering a sweeping, lush melody that contrasts with the intense action of the film. The theme’s soaring strings and brass evoke a sense of longing and passion, capturing the bittersweet tone of their love amidst the turmoil of galactic conflict. This beautiful, orchestral theme is one of the most memorable and emotive pieces in the Star Wars saga.

15. NYO - Up - Married Life

Take Off on a Musical Adventure! 'Married Life' is a poignant and heartwarming theme from Michael Giacchino’s score for Pixar’s Up. The piece accompanies a montage that depicts the life and love shared between Carl and Ellie, from their early years of happiness to their later challenges. With its delicate, waltzing rhythm and uplifting melody, Married Life conveys both the joy and the bittersweetness of a lifelong partnership, capturing the essence of love and loss in a deeply emotional and cinematic way.

16. NYO - Mulan - Suite for Orchestra

Jerry Goldsmith’s arrangement of the 'Mulan Suite for Orchestra' takes the score from Disney's 1998 animated film Mulan and transforms it into a sweeping orchestral work. Drawing on Zhao Jiping's original themes, Goldsmith blends traditional Chinese elements with Western orchestral grandeur, capturing the film’s emotional depth. The suite reflects Mulan’s courageous journey, from her determination to honour her family to her transformation into a heroine who defends her country. Goldsmith’s arrangement enhances the film’s blend of adventure, romance, and cultural pride, bringing the story’s powerful moments to life in vivid orchestral colour.

17. NYO - Extracts from 'The Complete Harry Potter'

Experience the magic of Harry Potter through the iconic music of John Williams. This symphonic medley brings to life the enchanting themes from the beloved film series, including the whimsical Hedwig’s Theme, the soaring Harry’s Wondrous World, and the thrilling Nimbus 2000. Williams' evocative score captures the wonder, adventure, and mystery of J.K. Rowling’s world, making this arrangement a spellbinding journey for audiences of all ages.

Movements:
Hedwig's Theme
Nimbus 2000
Hogwarts Forever
Voldemort's Theme
Quidditch
Harry's Wondrous World
Fawkes the Phoenix
Leaving Hogwarts

18. NYO, NYIO, NYTO - The Lion King

The grand finale of this afternoon's concert will see the Training, Intermediate and Senior orchestras unite on for a breathtaking collaborative performance, creating an unforgettable crescendo of sound and emotion.

'The Lion King' is a captivating symphonic suite that brings to life the beloved music from Disney's 1994 animated film. Featuring iconic songs composed by Elton John and Tim Rice, the music captures the grandeur and emotion of the movie, with highlights including "Circle of Life," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," and "Hakuna Matata." Michael Brown's orchestral arrangement expertly weaves together these memorable melodies, evoking the African landscapes, dramatic moments, and heartwarming themes of friendship, love, and redemption from the film.