‘Lion King' roars into life with Ithra live orchestra
'We hope that it will bring goosebumps and tears,' conductor Erik Ochsner told the crowd before the show. 'This is a live performance, and so we would beg of you to please just enjoy it live.'
As it has done in previous experiences, such as the 2019 and 2022 live orchestra showcases of several 'Harry Potter' films in concert series, Ithra brought a full orchestra to perform Hans Zimmer's Oscar-winning score while the animated film played in the background on a large screen.
For the experience, the film was stripped of the music while all the original audio, including dialogue and songs, remained untouched. The orchestra played those musical parts, breathing new life into the scenes without burying the essence of the nostalgic original.
• Joining conductor Erik Ochsner was the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic direction of Sergey Smbatyan.
• For the experience, the Disney film was stripped of the music while all the original audio, including dialogue, remained untouched.
• 'We hope that it will bring goosebumps and tears,' Ochsner told the crowd before the show.
People clapped and sang along when the popular 'Hakuna Matata' tune came on.
Originally released in 1994, 'The Lion King' quickly became one of Disney's most iconic films, celebrated for its powerful storytelling, memorable characters, and stirring soundtrack.
The animated film follows Simba, a young lion prince navigating the trials of loss, betrayal, and self-discovery on his journey to reclaim his rightful place in the animal kingdom.
At Ithra, this emotional arc was heightened by the rich, resonant sound of the live symphony orchestra, turning each moment— whether turbulent or triumphant— into an unforgettable experience.
Joining Ochsner was the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic direction of Sergey Smbatyan.
Known for their emotionally charged style and refined sound, the orchestra has built a reputation as a cultural ambassador of Armenia, regularly performing in major concert halls worldwide, including Ithra.
'The kids have seen the movie multiple times; we've all seen the movie multiple times. And we thought it would be nice to see it through a live orchestra,' audience member Ahmad Hassan told Arab News during the 20-minute intermission.
Hassan brought his extended family along, including his two children.
'It's one of my favorite films,' Hassan's nine-year old daughter Tia told Arab News. She gave the show a thumbs-up.
Her 12-year-old brother, Bakr, said he had watched the film 'at least five times' — the first when he was about two or three — but was excited at this new way of appreciating the story.
'I like the show so far. It's really good. Why? Because you get to see how the music is made instead of it just coming out of the speaker,' he said.
'After watching the show, I'd like to play the piano,' Tia added.
The concert is part of Ithra's cinematic symphony series, which also includes an upcoming presentation of Disney's 'Frozen,' giving families the chance to relive favorite films in a whole new way.
Tickets are priced at SR200 ($53), and each of the Disney-Ithra performances will run for two days only.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Asharq Al-Awsat
3 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Cultural House Showcases Heritage at Najran Summer Festival
The Cultural House took part in the Najran summer festival, organized by the Najran Municipality at Emirate Palace square in the Aba Al-Saud neighborhood. The event featured a dedicated pavilion that offered visitors a rich cultural experience, showcasing authentic handicrafts and artworks by local artisans that reflected Najran's unique heritage and cultural identity, SPA reported. The initiative also highlighted the Cultural House's commitment to empowering creative talents and enhancing cultural expression at public events. The participation aligns with its broader mission to foster community engagement, promote cultural diversity, and support traditional crafts as a foundation of the creative economy.
Arab News
7 hours ago
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: ‘88 Port' burger in Al-Khobar
88 Port in Alkhobar is one of those places where visuals and flavors match — bold, indulgent, and a little over the top in the best way. From the red burger buns to the sauce-dripping stacks, the menu doesn't hold back. My favorite item hands down was the truffle burger; juicy angus beef, crispy onion rings, double cheddar, and a rich truffle sauce that takes it to another level. Every bite was exactly what I hoped for. On the side, the buffalo shrimp were spicy, saucy, and fun to eat, especially paired with the ranch dip. The brisket balls were another hit, crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside. I also really enjoyed the 88 Port salad, which felt fresh, crunchy, and perfectly dressed; a nice balance to all the richness. Now for dessert, the chocolate brownie cake was hot, gooey, and topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate drizzle — the perfect ending. The brisket fries were a letdown, a little too oily and overloaded with toppings. A crispier base might have made a big difference. For more information, check out their Instagram @88port.
Arab News
8 hours ago
- Arab News
Documentary shines light on Saudi Arabia's progress, development
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's transformation toward its Vision 2030 goals has been documented in a new film by the Ministry of Media. Launched by the ministry's Konoz initiative, 'The Destination' highlights the progress made in the political, economic, medical, sporting, cultural, media and artistic fields. Its title reflects the Kingdom's path toward becoming a global destination for tourism and investment. Konoz CEO Abdullah Al-Ahmari credited megaprojects and upcoming events such as the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Expo Riyadh 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034. 'The Destination' includes interviews with key figures from various fields as well as testimonies, quotes and historical records. It is part of a series of films produced by Konoz in cooperation with almost 90 organizations and more than 2,600 individuals. 'The Konoz initiative aims to document the Kingdom's achievements through creative productions,' he said, describing the country as a 'model admired by the world.' The film reflected the progress being made on the ground and highlighted the initiative's focus on Saudi talent in shaping the Kingdom's future, he said. 'The Destination' includes interviews with key figures from various fields as well as testimonies, quotes and historical records. It is part of a series of films produced by Konoz in cooperation with almost 90 organizations and more than 2,600 individuals. The Konoz initiative is part of the Human Capacity Development Program under Vision 2030. Its goal is to promote Saudi Arabian culture around the world by highlighting the contributions and success stories of its citizens.
