Review: ‘Movie with the BSO: ‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’ in Concert’ at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) honored the 35th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s classic family adventure E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall with a uniquely immersive screening of the beloved iconic film enhanced with John Williams’ Academy and Grammy Award-winning score performed live in its entirety, along with the complete picture, sound effects and dialogue.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial movie image courtesy of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

Led by renowned Principal Pops Conductor, Jack Everly, the BSO spectacularly performed the legendary score in sync with the 1982 blockbuster film, which was projected on a giant, high-definition screen above the 90-member orchestra, exponentially elevating the entertainment experience for the blended intergenerational audience that included both young children and young-at-heart adults who were watching the heartwarming masterpiece, as well as simultaneously hearing a live orchestral concert, for the very first time.

Under the nimble and controlled baton of Maestro Everly, the full symphonic orchestra surged through Williams’ lush cinematic score at amped tilt, showcasing the BSO’s compelling woodwind and soft strings which notably accompanied one of the memorably-stirring scenes, where a distressed Elliott (Henry Thomas) tells E.T. that he loves him.

Consummately on cue, Everly skillfully and seamlessly led the BSO in more than two hours of soaring sounds from the quiet introduction played by a single flute to moments of heartbreak and humor, with snippets of enigmatic effects, to the epic, grand cataclysmic finale.

Synchronizing perfectly with what the audience is seeing on the screen, the BSO’s thrilling, larger-than-life rendering of Williams’ musical genius magically and marvelously framed the moving storyline, depicting Elliott’s innocence and sense of wonder, along with E.T.’s gentleness, in an unforgettably-captivating production that takes movie-watching to a luxuriant new level.

Running Time: Approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission.

Movie with the BSO: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in Concert performed on Friday, May 19, 2017 at 8 pm and Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 8 pm at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall – 1212 Cathedral Street, in Baltimore, MD. For more information for other upcoming events, go online.

https://youtu.be/gvLcPUzeQIw

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here