“A truly immersive experience that takes your breath away, one not to be missed!”
A year after the release of the live-action remake of the hit animated film How to Train Your Dragon, Anthony Gabriele brought a concert presentation of the film to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Perhaps it was nostalgia—or the fact that the previous performance at the same venue had sold out—but my expectations were exceptionally high. Fortunately, he did not disappoint.
The opening theme, “This Is Berk”, retained its characteristic mystical and hopeful qualities, hinting at the adventure to come. The bold passages accompanying the dragon-attack scenes were recreated with careful attention to dynamic balance and musical character, while the more technically demanding sections later in the performance were played with precision and delicacy.
Hiccup’s first encounter with Toothless felt even more impactful and iconic than I remembered from the film. The crisp silence before Toothless’s discovery, followed by an aura of mystery conveyed beautifully by the violins and horns, made the scene particularly powerful.
The first dragon-training sequence had my heart racing as the orchestra performed with remarkable precision, creating a palpable sense of danger. Moments such as Toothless gradually warming to Hiccup felt emotional and rewarding, while Toothless’s first flight conveyed a wonderful sense of accomplishment.
The silences were carefully observed, and the dynamic balance was exceptional. This created an effective contrast between the bold, courageous passages and the more delicate, nuanced sections. “Romantic Flight”, my favourite piece from the soundtrack, was every bit as grand as I had expected: a moment of warmth and lightness amid the otherwise tense setting. “You’re Not My Son”, meanwhile, felt even more sombre and regretful.
The climactic battle was deeply immersive, with every blow feeling impactful and the tension keeping us on the edge of our seats. The horn attacks were measured, forceful and well synchronised, while the strings provided a satisfying resolution.
It did initially feel as though the dialogue overpowered the orchestra during the introduction, with the music struggling to maintain its presence. However, this was quickly rectified and did not remain an issue for the rest of the concert.
Is it a good family day out? It certainly is. Many young children were present, and they appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Experiencing this awe-inspiring film—which teaches the value of friendship and kindness, among other important lessons—alongside a live orchestra is an opportunity not to be missed. Do bear in mind, however, that this is a concert, so loud volumes and crowds are to be expected.
How to Train Your Dragon In Concert is a wonderful and entertaining experience that lives up to its reputation. It does justice to the animated film’s classical status and is an event not to be missed.
How to Train your Dragon In Concert will also be performed at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Theatre tonight. Tickets can be purchased here.