Greeting fellow Nerds and Nerdettes from The Waterfront Hall, Belfast and to a live performance of the music of Patrick Doyle from the films of Sir Kenneth Branagh.
With the music expertly performed by The Ulster Orchestra, backed by choral singers, this was a must see performance. Introduced in person by Patrick Doyle himself (pictured above) and accompanied in person by Fiona Shaw (who attended RADA with Sir Kenneth) and Michael Maloney (who actually starred in Sir Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V and Hamlet) both of whom provided spoken word excerpts from the Shakespearian pieces.
Included in this evening’s performance were excerpts from Much Ado About Nothing, Thor (sample below), As You Like It, Dead Again, Hamlet, Love’s Labour Lost and the recently released Jack Ryan. All excerpts were performed by the world-renowned Ulster Orchestra, conducted by James Shearman.
There was also the first public concert performance of the music Sleuth from the movie of the same name. However, without doubt, one of the highlights of the evening was a pre-recorded message from Sir Kenneth Branagh introducing the music from Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. Sir Kenneth Brannagh gave a little background, not only to this piece of music but the film in general (which he stated was panned by the critics but has gained a loyal following in recent years, and I must confess is a close personal favourite of mine) and also some little snippets into both the working relationship and friendship he and Patrick Doyle have had for nearly 30 years.
This for me was a real treat and indeed the audience greatly appreciated this performance of a rare gem. Indeed, so appreciative were the audience that the same piece was played again as the encore.
All in all, a terrific evening where rarities were played and old favorites greatly enjoyed. Patrick Doyle’s partnership with Sir Kenneth Branagh is akin to George Fenton and Sir David Attenborough; both superb film composers whose music is matched by the director’s visuals on screen. Add to this the live readings and excerpts by well-renowned actors and you have perfection in an auditorium, a night well worth remembering!
5 out of 5 Nerds
Irwin Fletcher
I'm an LA journalist who really lives for his profession. I have also published work as Jane Doe in various mags and newspapers across the globe. I normally write articles that can cause trouble but now I write for FTN because Nerds are never angry, so I feel safe.
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