A Dazzling Journey: Broadway Meets Hollywood
The Kuringai Youth Orchestra’s Broadway Meets Hollywood concert was a dazzling journey through cinematic and theatrical worlds, reminding audiences how powerfully music can transport us. From the opening bars of John Williams’ “Superman March”, the orchestra swept listeners into the realm of heroism and adventure, brass and percussion bursting with jubilant energy. It was the perfect curtain raiser for an evening that moved seamlessly between Broadway spectacle and cinematic grandeur.
From Knox Abbotsleigh to Kuringai: A Decade of Growth
After the closure of the Knox Abbotsleigh ensemble, the Kuringai Youth Orchestra has spent the past decade evolving into a vibrant community of school and university musicians.
Celebrating Achievements: Prizes, Premieres, and Broadcasts
Along the way they have won Sydney Eisteddfod prizes, premiered new Australian works, and even reached global audiences through international broadcasts. Their programs this year have ranged from the symphonies of Tchaikovsky and Dvorák to premieres by emerging composers, while also bringing music into civic life at festivals and ceremonies. Appearances on ABC Kids and international television have introduced orchestral music to audiences of all ages, each performance marking another step in the ensemble’s growth and showing how young musicians can rise to every challenge.
Festivity and Reflection: The Perfect Pre-Christmas Concert
Broadway Meets Hollywood proved to be the ideal pre-Christmas celebration - a concert that balanced festivity with reflection and showcased the orchestra at its very best. Film scores give stories their emotional heartbeat; they don’t simply accompany a scene but shape how we feel, lifting moments into triumph, tenderness, or awe. The program’s blend of cinematic grandeur and Broadway sparkle captured the joy of the season while serving as a fitting capstone to a year of creativity and connection.
Les Miserables and West Side Story: Versatility on Display
The medleys from Les Misérables showcased the ensemble’s versatility, shifting from playful charm to revolutionary fervour with ease. The full orchestra thundered through “Do You Hear the People Sing”, capturing the emotional sweep of Victor Hugo’s story. Bernstein’s West Side Story selections crackled with rhythm and colour, the syncopated energy of “America” and the tenderness of “Maria” reminding us why this score remains timeless.
Wicked Reimagined: Music Beyond the Stage
Experiencing Wicked purely as music was invigorating, revealing new layers of character and emotion and allowing the audience to appreciate Stephen Schwartz’s artistry in a way often overshadowed by the show’s dazzling production.
The Soundscapes of John Williams: Awe, Adventure, and Emotion
John Williams’ music was a thread running through the afternoon and the orchestra rose to the challenge of his iconic soundscapes. “The Jurassic Park” theme radiated awe and wonder, while the “Raiders March” pulsed with adventure, brought vividly to life under guest conductor Lyndon Coward. “The Jedi Steps” and “Finale” from The Force Awakens was a highlight, blending old and new motifs in a way that no doubt thrilled Star Wars devotees. As a self-confessed Star Warsnerd and admirer of Williams, I felt like I’d stumbled into musical heaven. Yet it was the Theme from Schindler’s List, performed with haunting sensitivity by soloist Timothy de Solom, that brought the hall to stillness, a reminder of music’s power to bear witness to history and human resilience.
Moments of Transition: Welcoming New Members, Farewelling Leaders
What ultimately set this concert apart was the way it reflected the orchestra’s identity as much as its artistry. Under the strong and supportive guidance of Musical Director Brad Lucas the players combined discipline with joy, their wide age range creating a rare blend of youthful energy and seasoned mentorship. The evening also marked a moment of transition, welcoming new members, including a harpist not yet out of primary school, while farewelling senior figures such as Harry Wagstaff (oboe) and Katie Jones (flute), whose contributions as principal players and committee members have helped shape the ensemble.
The Essence of KYO: Community, Confidence, and Connection
That balance of fresh beginnings and fond farewells captured the essence of KYO: a community where music builds confidence, nurtures creativity, and forges lasting connections. As the final notes faded, the audience was left not only with memories of Broadway and Hollywood but with a deeper appreciation of the orchestra’s vision to inspire, connect, and grow together.
Looking Ahead: Anticipation for 2026
As 2026 approaches, anticipation is already building for what lies ahead for this remarkable ensemble.
For further details about Kuringai Youth Orchestra see: https://kyo.org.au/
Playing at the Abbotsleigh’s Peter Duly Hall on Sunday 7th December 3pm
Reviewed by: Faith Jessel