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Arab News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
‘Frozen' in concert melts hearts at Ithra
DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture was swept into a winter wonderland this week as Disney's 'Frozen' came to life in a dazzling film-in-concert experience. The two-day live event at Ithra, which concluded with two performances on July 9, featured a full orchestra performing the film's score live on stage while the original movie plays on a screen with dialogue and vocals intact. The music was played live on stage, resulting in an immersive, multi-sensory experience for audiences of all ages. A sea of tulle could be seen as young girls in Queen Elsa-inspired ice-blue gowns filled the theater, with long lines forming at a nearby 'Frozen'-themed space offering optional printed keepsakes for those who patiently waited. Arab News spoke with audience member Norah Al-Otaibi and her 5-year-old daughter, Mai, during the 20-minute intermission. 'It's my third time watching it — the first two times was at home. This is nice but I like watching it at home more because you can turn it on or off whenever you want,' said Mai. 'Here, you have to wait until the song you want comes on. But I like the music and singing part here more, it's better than the regular screening.' Mai, who turns 6 soon, attended the concert screening as an early birthday present. Al-Otaibi, a fan of the film herself, added: 'Ithra gave it a nice vibe. It's definitely not just a regular viewing experience, they elevated it.' Returning to the podium was Erik Ochsner, considered one of the leading conductors in the film-with-live-orchestra format. He led 'The Lion King' in concert at Ithra a few days prior and shared his enthusiasm ahead of the performance. 'Perhaps we're going to build a snowman together and you must be ready to let it go,' Ochsner told the crowd, hinting at the ever-popular songs 'Let It Go' and 'Do You Want to Build a Snowman?' 'I'm thrilled to be able to share the stage tonight with the wonderful musicians from the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra … you are so fortunate to have such a beautiful center here, Ithra,' he added. Ochsner conducted the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra under artistic director and principal conductor Sergey Smbatyan. At Ithra's 'Frozen' concert, the audience sang along to the catchy, now classic songs, from the film. Released in 2013, 'Frozen' was inspired by the 1844 original novel-styled fairytale narrative 'The Snow Queen,' written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Arendelle, while a fictional Kingdom, is inspired by the real Norwegian town of Arendal. It tells a heartwarming story of a newly-crowned young Nordic queen, Elsa, with secret ice-making powers who accidentally freezes everything in her path as her fearless sister, Anna, sets out to save her — and the whole kingdom.
Arab News
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
‘Lion King' roars into life with Ithra live orchestra
DHAHRAN: Nearly three decades after it first captivated global audiences, Disney's 'The Lion King' dazzled new and older generations at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, in Dhahran this week by offering a chance to watch the film anew with a 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.
