Live Review: Jurassic Park in Concert at The SEC Armadillo

If for a moment you entered the Armadillo on Friday night, you might have formed the impression this was going to be like any other concert. The queue for the bar and the toilets were already snaking in several directions. The usual merchandise tables were set up selling the same t-shirts they sell in Primark, only for much much more money. And crowds of people were hovering around each designated seating area. Except above the murmuring crowds you can faintly hear the theme music to Jurassic Park.

From the moment I took my seat, I was greeted by the hauntingly beautiful sounds of the Czech National Orchestra tuning up. The complementary tones of the string section alone was enough to fill me with anticipation. The room was in absolute awe of the extremely talented Czech musicians, who chatted amongst themselves and flicked through their music sheets. John Williams has a plethora of immersive and incredible movie scores and the soundtrack to Jurassic Park is definitely one of his best.

The conductor ran onto the stage like a rock-star and was met with a roar (excuse the pun) of excitement from every part of the venue. With a flick, the low dramatic music became the only audible sound in the auditorium. The sheer energy and shared coordination between the musicians and conductor was captivating. I’ve never enjoyed the opening credits more.

While this was my first time reviewing Jurassic Park, it certainly wasn’t my first time seeing it. It’s a nostalgic movie for most Sci-Fi lovers, but it never fails to impress me each time I view it. The movie itself is a Spielberg classic that combines its incredibly designed science fictional world with real thriller elements. While the CGI doesn’t hold up as impressively as before, we must remind ourselves that this movie is 25 years old. That being said, the practical effects used still managed to impress. The film’s set and practical effects are part of the reason that this movie can tug on your inner childhood obsession with dinosaurs. However, it was the orchestral arrangement that boomed as John Hammond welcomed the audience to Jurassic Park that gave me goosebumps.  

Suspense and conflict have been elegantly achieved in the pacing of the film, which is not surprising from the writings of Creighton and Koepp. But if suspense had a soulmate, it would be a John Williams score. In particular, the chilling kitchen scene in which two children attempt to outsmart raptors. Hearing the eerie build up of the strings live only added to the tension in the room.

The orchestral concentration throughout the film was faultless. The direction and conduction of such a complex soundtrack left audience members stunned. Even when the movie had finished, the entire audience stayed for the credit sequence to take in the beautiful ensemble of brass, keeping us in the Jurassic world just a little bit longer.


By Rachel Watt