National Geographic: Symphony For Our World is touring around the world and its making a pit stop in Kuala Lumpur at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas. On 6 and 7 October, the musical special will be conducted by Jessica Gethin who will bring the unique fusion of science, nature and artistry to life in all its musical splendour.
We speak to the Australian conductor ahead of the concert to find out more what audiences can expect as she leads the MPO in this National Geographic special at the DFP.
Q: Conducting this musical special in other cities around the world, how does it feel performing it here in Kuala Lumpur?
A: I feel really honoured to bring this incredible show to different parts of the world, one of the great things about being a conductor is travelling around to share the music you love with so many different audiences. I have always loved visiting Kuala Lumpur so am especially excited to bring ‘Symphony for our World’ to the people there!
Q: Are you thrilled to be leading this special with the MPO?
A: Yes, absolutely. The Malaysian Philharmonic is a wonderful orchestra and many of my friends have guest-performed with them, in fact my Dad has actually performed with them twice! So I am very much looking forward to making my debut with them for this concert.
Q: National Geographic Symphony For Our World is more than just a concert. As a conductor who has led this concert, what is the main appeal of this performance?
A: The magic of this concert lies in the collaboration of the multi-sensory elements, from the breath-taking footage from around the world, which is paired seamlessly with a score that journeys through everything from tribal drumming beats to soaring strings and powerful brass; it’s a soundtrack to mother nature at its best. This is all combined with such an important cause to save the earth, and the interviews with key National Geographic explorers help to link this all together.
Q: Mixing film footage and music is a unique process but what is it particularly appealing about this score by Bleeding Fingers Music?
A: I’ve often conducted scores to film and screen but I think what is so unique about this is that the imagery explored in this concert is so relatable and descriptive in nature, it is something that everyone can connect with and the score really explores this in a very literal way. You can hear the ocean as it swells on the shore, the music then changes as the crabs crawl over the rocks, the score tells you when the predators are about to come and then changes character as the baby animals are featured – the music really helps to bring the images to life.
Q: What do you like best about the music of Symphony of our World?
A: I love the clever use of world music instruments in the score, the way the flute emulates the beautiful melodies of the Ney (a persian end blown flute), the dulcimer which lays the ground work for some of the symphony movements, and the strong beat of the taiko drum really help to give it an international feel within the traditional orchestral sound. Another highlight is the inclusion of a piece written by Jocelyn Morlock, which features National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore’s work in documenting 8485 different species in his ‘Photo Ark’.
Q: As someone who has experienced leading this concert, why should audiences here attend this concert at DFP?
A: This is a beautiful concert for audience members of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy; it really is a whole family event! It sends an important message of conservation for our planet, and also shows stunning footage paired with beautiful symphonic music in a way that will invigorate you and leave you in awe of our amazing planet, Earth.
The MPO will present National Geographic: Symphony For Our World on Saturday, 6 October 2018 at 8.30 pm and Sunday, 7 October 2018 at 3pm. For tickets log on to mpo.com.my
