A Symphonic Tribute to Comic Con

A Symphonic Tribute to Comic Con
Colorado Symphony
Boettcher Concert Hall
Denver, CO
March 24-25, 2017

Comic Con has become a local phenomenon in the last few years. While the Colorado Symphony may seem like an unlikely partner for this event, it turned out the two are a perfect match.

In the lobby before the show were cosplayers in Star Wars and Avengers gear as well as a booth for Pop Culture Classroom, the organizers of Comic Con as well as many other representatives of the “geek” culture. It was a festive atmosphere to start the evening.

The program consisted of selections from science fiction films as well as music from video games. The gaming music was particularly impressive. It’s not the place I would think of for interesting and complex music, but that is what we were treated to. The “Assassins Dance” was a highlight die to the extraordinary violin solo by guest artist Sandy Cameron.

The movie music took on a richer sound when performed live. Most impressive was the “Duel of the Fates” from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. The symphony with the choir created an epic sound.
  
The always entertaining Christopher Dragon conducted the concert. He introduced himself as a “shapeshifter.” He was true to his word. He made his entrance dressed as Jack Skellington. Before intermission he changed into a Tyrannosaurus Rex and actually conducted the theme from Jurassic Park dressed that way. After intermission, he sported a Harry Potter outfit and completed the show dressed in a onesie that was modeled after Chewbacca from Star Wars.

The Salute to Comic Con was more than a concert. It was an experience worthy of the connection to the colorful convention it is named for.