by Jessica Del Curto
Daily Lobo
Show this weekend, average symphony will not be, sayeth Yoda.
The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony Chorus will bring the music of all six "Star Wars" films to Popejoy Hall.
Conductor Byron Herrington said the show will include projection screens, choreographed dancers and special lighting effects flashing over the orchestra to create a multimedia presentation.
"I think they are going to go nuts," said Lori Lovato, who plays the principal clarinet in the show. "It's not a normal symphony concert because the music is so recognizable."
Herrington said conducting this show is a treat for him because he's been a fan of composer John Williams for years.
"He is a tremendous musician," he said. "He uses a full symphonic orchestra and that's the sound I love."
UNM student Marshall Martinez said he was a fan of the movies.
"The scores are brilliant," he said. "It's amazing music and it's synonymous with modern pop culture."
Herrington said Williams' music fuses love themes with furious battle music.
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"His music is very strong compared to a lot of live music," he said.
Later in the year, the symphony will be performing another score by Williams: "Indiana Jones."
Herrington said practicing for this concert was like preparing for a marathon.
"It's technically difficult for all the instruments," he said. "The fast and furious pieces take a lot of strength and pacing."
Lovato agreed about the show's high energy level.
"Once we start playing there are hardly any rests," she said. "It takes a lot of concentration to keep the energy flowing."
An added element to the show is that fans will be encouraged to dress in "Star Wars" costumes. Lovato said she hopes audiences do this.
"I wish we could dress up, but we are going to be in our black tuxedos," she said.
Martinez isn't sure if he would dress up for the show.
"That's a possibility," he said. "If so, I would be Yoda in a heartbeat."
Graduate student Harrison Guillory said he would attend the show in a New York minute.
"George Lucas couldn't have picked a better composer," he said. The songs are recognizable, they are easy to sing and they convey depth," he said.
Lovato said the show will be for traditional symphony lovers as well as first-timers.
"This is a great introduction to the power of the symphony," she said.
