The Sydney Youth Orchestra gave a magnificent performance
The Composer is Dead is a fabulous murder-mystery story, written and composed as an orchestral presentation by Lemony Snicket and Nathaniel Stookey in 2006. It was principally designed as an entertaining, educational piece for children to learn about the world of traditional concert orchestras.
Originating in San Francisco and playing sold-out shows throughout the US, it debuted at the Sydney Opera House on August 8 and 9. Principals for the matinee performance was none other than the talented Sydney Youth Orchestra in combination with the slap-stick Australian comedian Frank Woodley, playing ‘Your Charming Host’ and the ‘Inspector’.
The stage was awash with instruments and the concert hall was packed with families and friends. The house lights dimmed at precisely three o’clock with a hush of eager anticipation.The one-hour performance was divided into two pieces and contrasted two different educational styles, the first being Benjamin Britten’s “A Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra”, an invigorating composition designed to showcase every instrument on stage. The 20-minute prelude gave the audience a familiarity of what instrument was being played and by whom. It also demonstrated how wonderful the Sydney Youth Orchestra could play in such a fabulous venue.
Then, the main performance. A quick costume change into a classic Clousteau costume, after-which Woodley delivers the awful news, ’The composer is dead!’
The Inspector is determined to find the murderer and systematically questions each section of the orchestra as to their whereabouts. Every instrument or group performs again, but on this occasion, the narration and comedy provides the audience with more insight into the character traits of each instrument. The Strings section is the largest and considered to be the most important section of the orchestra, whilst the Chellos play the boring (but fundamental) base notes and find it hard to fit their instrument in a taxi.
What adds to the intrigue is that every instrument has a plausible alibi.
The performance was incredible, a vibrant and perfectly crafted piece showcasing amazing musical and acting talent. The Composer is Dead is a punchy, witty, classic who dunnit, all wrapped up in Monty Python-esque comedy to keep the kids (and adults) informed and entertained. A must see.
