If you’re a movie and music buff then I can’t recommend the Royal Albert Hall’s Films in Concert series enough.
During the season, a selection of classic titles are shown on a giant screen with a live orchestra playing.
I went to a matinee performance of Home Alone in the run up to Christmas and was left spellbound by the whole thing.
The place was packed out with many audience members wearing Christmas jumpers for the occasion.
Taking a pew in the stalls, I sat transfixed as the magic unfolded.
I’d got my mum tickets to see BBC’s Blue Planet screened in a similar fashion and shed raved about it, so I was excited to see what the Home Alone performance would be like.
There was a short film that played before the main title started, explaining how the conductor follows a small screen with a ticker indicating exactly when to bring the orchestra in.
It proves to be an elaborate process but the performance was absolutely flawless and at times it was easy to forget that there was an orchestra playing.
Along with the orchestral performance, another thing I enjoyed was the sound quality of the movie.
All of the lines were clearly audible thanks to the fine-tuned acoustic set up at the Royal Albert Hall.
The choral sections of the movie proved to be a real highlight, with a choir joining the musicians and the giant organ also piped up.
I’ve already got my eyes on the 2019 program, with Skyfall and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire among the offerings.
The live movies really do get you seeing your favourite movies with new eyes.
You also get to appreciate the complexity of the musical arrangements and the craftsmanship behind the emotive scores.
Plus, the Royal Albert Hall makes for what I think is the most spectacular movie theatre in the world, with more than 5,000 seats and stunning architecture that could keep your eyes busy for days.
To book tickets for future events visit www.royalalberthall.com.
Make your evening extra special with a hospitality package, available at all screenings.
