Film Music Galore
On the 20th April 2024, at Halesowen Town Hall, the Rusty Players Orchestras from around the UK came together for a massed performance full of fun and excitement.
The Rusty Players Orchestra, started in South Birmingham in 2019, has grown to now have orchestras in Carmarthen, Barry Island, South Birmingham and The Black Country. All 4 of these ensembles came together for an evening of musical celebration.
They kicked off with an energetic arrangement of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, conducted by Bradley Wilson (conductor for the South Birmingham and Black Country groups). This piece really showed off the hard work and skill of the ensemble, it is amazing to think that the first time they had all played together was a few hours before the concert.
light was the orchestras performance of I Am the Doctor from the Matt Smith era of Doctor Who, composed by Murray Gold. With Jenny Armitage (conductor of the Barry Island group) at the helm, the orchestra took the audience on a journey around through time and space. The might of the horn and saxophone section rang through the hall until the Tardis safely landed at the end of this epic rendition. This was followed by a devilish version of Stargate SG-1, again conducted by Jenny, which the orchestra performed with ease.
Near the end of the evening, the orchestra treated the audience to the military sounds of 633 Squadron, conducted by Eric (conductor of the Carmarthen orchestra). Despite this being an extremely fast piece, the Rusty Players Orchestra made it look like a walk in the park. Then, to bring a party atmosphere, Eric lead the orchestra in a funky bit of the Blues Brothers. This showcased the group’s ability to switch between multiple different musical styles. The cinematic textures from before were not taken over by the big band sound of the 80’s.
The concert ended with a bang as the orchestra played their Party Dance Mix. This piece consisted of 3 songs: Moves Like Jagger, Good Time and Party Rock Anthem. With Bradley back on stage, Rusty’s raised the roof, aided with party poppers and enthusiastic whooping from not only themselves but the audience too. It seems they and the audience enjoyed it so much that they performed it a second time but with the energy level turned up to 11.
The entire evening personified the transformative power of music. This group of musicians conveyed their love of music and each other, through their instruments, for what was simply a ‘feel good’ night of joy!
If you haven’t played your instrument for a while and feel a little rusty, then joining your local Rusty Players Orchestra is surely the way to go.
