As we spring into March (see what I did there?) this weekend, there are a number of film music concerts all across the world that deserve your attention. Does this warrant a devoted blog post? Well, yes. Over the years i've noticed many film music enthusiasts write about their dream film music concert, wishing this or that to be performed. However, do these same people actually attend concerts? Orchestras are finding it harder and harder to afford putting film music concerts on these days, they aren't cheap to stage. With this in mind, the very least we can do is attend and support what we all talk about so much. Trust me, the music comes to life in a whole new and exciting way when experienced live. Think of it as akin to attending an actual recording session for a movie.

The first concert to mention is a very special tribute to one of the world's greatest trumpeters who sadly passed away last year, Derek Watkins on Sunday 2nd March in Croydon outside London City. You would have heard his playing on countless film soundtracks, namely the legendary  'screamers' on the James Bond scores. I met Derek as a child (he worked with my father during orchestral sessions) and spoke with him in 2011 for a tribute to John Barry. You can listen to it in FSM Online Volume 16 Number 2. Here's the info and do go along to support his legacy, family and the charity Sarcoma UK.

https://www.fairfield.co.uk/showInfo.php?showid=24186

Have a listen to this nterview with Derek's widow, Wendy Watkins about the concert:  http://radiojackie.com/redbutton/index.asp?singlepodcast=321

The second concert i'd like to highlight is one that's at the end of the month in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Patrick Doyle's music for the movies of Sir Kenneth Branagh has been quite diverse and when you have a look at the listings, there's everything from Shakespeare to Shelley. Marvel to Tom Clancy and more contemporary offerings like Sleuth's remake and Dead Again. Both of which will make their world concert premiere performance on March 31st in Belfast. It is the stunning music from Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet and Henry V which are popular favourites and what adds to these pieces being performed live is the narration of Shakespeare's words and the beautiful choral arrangements. This will also happen in Belfast and guests reciting these are yet to be announced, so keep an eye on the webpage here: http://ulsterorchestra.com/concerts/2014/march31/the-music-of-patrick-doyle-from-the-films-of-sir-kenneth-branagh

As a special offer, just for you. Mention Film Score Monthly when booking tickets and you'll receive a very special discount which means a concert ticket will only cost you £5. Yes, only £5! This also works by booking online, just select the 'Student' option.

Here's a video promo for the concert, which is being run as part of the Belfast Film Festival with other Doyle events including a workshop and Hamlet screening with Q&A. Why not come for a long weekend?

I hope you can make it along to these UK concerts and, indeed, here is the complete list of exciting film music concerts worldwide: http://moviesinconcert.nl/index.php?page=concertlist

Let's keep film music alive in the concert hall.

Tim (tburden@filmscoremonthly.com)