April has been busy month for the LSO. As well as their regular concert season they have been in the studio for various film projects and I thought that you and your readers would be interested in getting the inside story. Plus, another big film-related event happens in June when Jerry Goldsmith returns to London to conduct the orchestra in a concert of his greatest music.

FINAL FANTASY: THE SPIRITS WITHIN...
There are high expectations for this CGI film and it looks as though Elliot Goldenthal's score will not disappoint. Recorded in 11 sessions that were split between Lyndhurst studios in London and the Watford Colosseum, the music called for a massive orchestra including 16 French horns and 8 trombones for one of the sessions! With an incredible variety of percussion, large string and wind sections to match the brass and a choir too, the music promises to be as mind-blowing as the CGI animation.

TO END ALL WARS...
John Cameron's score for the Robert Carlyle and Kiefer Sutherland WWII film 'To End All Wars' is on a much smaller scale. Although a more usual size of orchestra was used, there was an unusual array of oriental percussion and other instruments such as bagpipes - not that surprising really for a film set in the Burmese jungle featuring a Scot!

JERRY GOLDSMITH LIVE IN CONCERT AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL...
Jerry Goldsmith has forged a strong reputation in the concert hall, especially with the London Symphony Orchestra following his series of sold-out concerts over the last two years.

On 28 June, the Royal Albert Hall provides a stunning setting as Jerry returns to London to conduct the LSO and introduce some of his greatest film and TV scores. The programme features music from across the whole spectrum of his work, including blockbusters such as 'Star Trek: First Contact' and 'Planet of the Apes' plus less well-known classics such as The Blue Max. The concert will also focus on his best-loved TV themes including 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E' and 'The Waltons'. Also included is music from 'The First Great Train Robbery', 'Supergirl' and 'Rudy' (the world premiere of a new suite of music from the film).

Tickets are available at a range of prices from £8 to £26. To book call the Royal Albert Hall Box Office on +44 (0)20 7589 8212 (open every day, 9am-9pm) or book your tickets online at the LSO's website www.lso.co.uk

Ticket holders can also attend a pre-concert talk from 6.00-6.30pm when Jerry will discuss his illustrious Hollywood career.

I hope that this is all of interest and further information about the LSO's involvement with the movies can be found at www.lso.co.uk/soundtracks