Aussie film scores performed live

CLASSICAL music and classic Australian films are a match made in heaven.

On Saturday, Orchestra Victoria is brining Sounds of the Screen: Movie Music Across Victorian Landscapes to Ulumbarra Theatre, featuring live scores performed by world-class musicians.

Orchestral scores from films such as Picnic at Hanging Rock, Mad Max, and Noise feature in the program, as well as scores from The Railway Man and The Dressmaker, originally composed by Ballarat-born David Hirschfelder.

Conductor Brett Kelly, who will brandish the baton for the show, ­said it’s a treat to work alongside Orchestra Victoria’s musicians and celebrate Aussie films.

“The Australian film industry has always punched way above its weight in every way and that’s doubly true when it comes to composing for the screen” he said.

“Over many years I’ve had the pleasure of conducting scores by many wonderful Australian composers including more than 20 for the great David Hirschfelder, so what a treat it will be to join the superb musicians of Orchestra Victoria in this celebration of Victoria’s unique place in our sound and screen history.”

As well as conducting, Kelly will also host the night, providing insight on the music of the films and how the famous scores were produced.

Images from the films will provide a backdrop for the orchestra, projected onto the Ulumbarra stage.

Executive director of Orchestra Victoria, Sara Pheasant, said the event is part of the Melbourne International Film Festival.

“Hearing the music from a beloved film instantly transports you back into that world and this performance will be an electrifying way to experience many of the classic Australian films we know and love,” she said.

Sounds of the Screen is on at 7pm on Friday, 12 August at Ulumbarra Theatre. For tickets visit bit.ly/3Pee19L.