A Night At The Oscars with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra - Pop Series

A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS

The Travelling Toe and a Dear Friend attended the Sunday matinee performance of "A Night at the Oscars" presented by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.  Guest conductor and host of the program was Damon Gupton.

                                                                     Damon Gupton

The program consisted of many wonderful movie themes including the Colonel Bogey March from Bridge on the River Kiwi.  Mr. Gupton had audience members whistle along in the appropriate places.  There was some good whistling going by the audience members during that song.  Two songs by Henry Mancini were played, Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany's and then The Pink Panther from well of course, The Pink Panther.  I just knew the Pink Panther would sneak out on stage,  but alas he did not make an entrance. 

HENRY MANCINI AND FRIEND

The first half of the program ended with songs from Westerns - how appropriate for the Fort Worth audience as the annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is in town.  Of course the theme from The Magnificent Seven was part of the song group.

After intermission one of John Williams most impressive movie compositions was played, The Imperial March from Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.  You could just see Darth Vadar striding down the space ship with  that long black robe flowing behind him! One incredible piece featured the oboe player in Gabriel's Oboe from The Mission.  It was hauntingly beautiful.  The program closed with another amazing composition from John Williams, Adventures on Earth from E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.

JOHN WILLIAMS AND FRIEND?

Mr. Gupton was a marvelous host sharing tidbits about the inside story of the movie, the actors, directors and other fun facts.  During the show he did mention that he was a Dallas Cowboys fan.  As the audience was giving the program a very deserving standing "O", Mr. Gupton reappeared on stage wearing a Dallas Cowboy's jersey and the audience members became even more appreciative.  For an encore they once again went to John Williams for The Stars Theme.

Here is hoping Mr. Gupton will return for another program.  He was funny, charming and enjoyable to watch conducting the orchestra.

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Musicians

Bass Hall