The Lion King is a classic for a reason, it’s arguably the best Disney movie of all-time with a powerful story and a sweeping score. At the Kimmel Center on the weekend of February 23rd, the Philadelphia Orchestra brought that score to life. The orchestra delighted audiences by playing the full film score as the movie, (sans music), played on a large screen behind them. The result was a majestic afternoon of live music that whole families could delight in.
The Lion King has remained a stalwart in popular culture in large part due to its music. The score was created by legendary film composer, Hans Zimmer. This score won him his first Academy Award and helped catapult him to be one of Hollywood’s most adored composers, later creating the music for The Dark Knight and Dune, among many others. Hearing his “King of Pride Rock” score from the Philadelphia Orchestra as Simba takes the throne in the climax of the movie was a truly moving experience. Arrangements for the score were done by South African musician Lebo M. His contributions were on full display by the Philadelphia Orchestra, with excellent work particularly from percussionists Christopher Deviney and Angela Zator Nelson, performing traditional African elements. The songs of The Lion King are well-known, from “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” to “Hakuna Matata,” all written by Elton John and Tim Rice. The sweeping “Circle of Life” was particularly transfixing in person as was the beautiful “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” Between the renowned songs and the prolific score, there truly wasn’t a dull moment in this concert.
The Philadelphia Orchestra does a great job introducing themselves to all sorts of demographics with events such as these family concerts. It’s a lovely way to introduce folks who may not yet be interested in classical music to the beauty of live orchestra. This doesn’t just bring in audiences in droves, (they added a 3rd performance due to popular demand,) it creates new fans of the Philadelphia Orchestra for years to come. The Lion King in Concert was a magnificent performance of an all-time excellent film score performed by one of the best orchestras in the world with the backdrop of a delightful, classic movie.