A phenomenal event by the exceptionally talented Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, performed at the beautiful Royal Albert Hall.
If there is one way to watch this record breaking film, that won eleven Oscars including Best Picture and multiple production design awards, it’s like this. A huge screen at one of the UK’s most stunning venues, with a full orchestra and choir. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the Kings is the final instalment in the epic fantasy trilogy and it’s musical score is spectacular. There are multiple battles fighting to save Gondor and the World of Men, and to allow Sam and Frodo time to destroy the One Ring, all of which are beautifully underscored by a cacophony of sound performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus and Trinity Boy’s Choir.
At the emotional moments the orchestra is accompanied by the outstanding soloist Kaitlyn Lusk whose voice soars throughout the entire Royal Albert Hall. She is particularly impressive singing Annie Lennox’s ‘Into the West’ throughout the credits. The credits, although a part of any film many usually don’t watch, were played in full and were an opportunity to appreciate all of the hard work that had gone into creating this film, from the costumes and special effects to the stunt teams and the camera operators. This movie is not only the climactic finale of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, but also the culmination of eight years of dedication to their craft by everyone involved in creating the saga, with the trilogy winning a total of 17 Academy Awards and all three films among the highest-grossing of all time. It is no surprise then, that this final chapter sold out the Royal Albert Hall and created an atmosphere for fans of the films like no other.
The Royal Albert Hall’s ‘Films in Concert’ series can be a very expensive experience with tickets for some films reaching up to £104 each, however there are also tickets available at many price points below this with the cheapest being around £30. In terms of what you receive for this, this event truly delivers and provides excellent value for money. Whilst the view differs across the different sections of the venue, most seats provide a great viewing experience and even those that are restricted will usually be able to see the screen and hear the incredible music that fills the hall. Coming up throughout 2024 there are also screenings in concert of Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, Top Gun: Maverick, Ghostbusters, Avatar, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.
The Royal Albert Hall as a venue is well practiced at hosting excellent events and their facilities allow guests to enjoy a meal or drink before the show, whilst the front of house team welcome patrons and expertly guide them to their seats, which in a venue as big as this one is no easy feat.
This final chapter in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy is an exciting and visually brilliant piece of cinematography that has only been elevated by being a ‘Film in Concert’. The stunning Philharmonia Chorus and Trinity Boy’s Choir give depth and emotion to the beautiful choral moments and the Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Ludwig Wicki, demonstrate incredible stamina and talent in playing Howard Shore’s stunning score throughout the 3 hour 25 minute performance.
A phenomenal evening of musicianship displayed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Chorus, and Trinity Boy’s Choir performing the Return of the King score live in this iconic venue. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall is perfect for all fans of the trilogy, be they Hobbits, Orcs, Wizards, or Human.
You can find more Films In Concert here.