Star Wars with live orchestra
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conductor Hamish McKeich can hardly wait. A Star Wars fan since he first saw the films at the age of 9, he’ll lead a special performance of John Williams’ celebrated score as part of next year’s New Zealand festival.
The 100-strong NZSO will play live to match the action of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope - the original Star Wars movie, complete with Williams’ iconic Imperial March - at Wellington’s TSB Arena.
A 40-year embargo on such adaptations of Williams’ work means the NZSO will be second only to the New York Philharmonic in playing the music live at a screening of the film.
‘‘I was very excited [when I first found out],’’ McKeich said. ‘‘I’ve done [the music from] films before but nothing quite as seminal, as a major epic as this. It’s one of the most famous movies of all time, right?
‘‘Everyone remembers the first time they saw it.’’
McKeich wasn’t sure whether he would dress up as his favourite character, but was looking forward to making some Chewbacca noises.
‘‘I can’t dress up as Chewbacca - he’s too hairy and I’ve got to conduct,’’ he said.
The festival programme, kicking off with three weeks of arts and culture on February 23, was launched on Tuesday evening in Wellington.
Among the highlights are a oneoff show from Talking Heads founder David Byrne and the New Zealand Ballet’s premiere of a dance inspired by Jane Campion’s The Piano.
The biennial festival, in its 31st year, promises to be bigger than ever next year, with the welcome of waka from Aotearoa and the Pacific sailing into the harbour.
On land, performers, choirs and a 1000-person haka will welcome the boats.
It will be artistic director Shelagh Magadza’s last festival in the role.
‘‘I think whenever you take up one of these roles, it’s a huge journey of discovery,’’ she said.
She was also happy to see many overseas works she had followed during the past few years finally perform to a New Zealand audience.
‘‘I feel I’ve been able to marry years of my international experience with a really strong New Zealand voice in this programme,’’ she said.
Star Wars: A New Hope plays at TSB Arena on March 10 and 11.