The union between Tim Burton and Danny Elfman is one of the most successful and creative relationships between any director and composer in the history of modern cinema. Having worked together since 1985, the pair have created some of Hollywood’s most critically acclaimed masterpieces including the gothic and poignant tale of Edward Scissorhands, the darkly comedic Beetlejuice and the groundbreaking original Batman films.
The Danny Elfman concert that recently premiered in the UK was a dream come true to the tens of thousands of fans who flocked to see the BBC Concert Orchestra perform a number of Elfman’s most memorable scores from Tim Burton’s filmography. Sound By Design were thrilled to be appointed to deliver the live sound and engineers for the whole UK tour which involved performances in Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham and a very special performance at the Royal Albert Hall. Alongside the BBCCO and conductor John Mauceri, the brilliant Maida Vale Singers helped to bring Elfman’s spine-tingling scores to life as rare visuals from original screenplays and storyboards allowed audiences exclusive access into the origins of their favourite films.
Premiering at the Royal Albert Hall, the 19th century confines of this exceptional auditorium made it the perfect venue for this concert which included performances from the scores of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland, Sleepy Hollow and Corpse Bride. One of the many highlights of the evening included the exhilarating performance of the thunderous score from Batman Returns. With galloping percussion contrasting beautifully with the gothic staccato strings, the famous leitmotif of the Batman theme is one of the most memorable in film history. Also on the bill was the beautiful yet deeply solemn score from Edward Scissorhands. With a show stopping violin solo that would melt the heart of Burton’s biggest critics, the BBCCO ensured there wasn’t a dry eye in the room as they immersed the audience within the magical and poignant world of Burton’s masterpieces.
With incredible surprise performances from Danny Elfman and Helena Bonham Carter, alongside an appearance from Tim Burton, the Royal Albert Hall show was particularly special. Dressed in her signature gothic style, Helena Bonham-Carter gave a stirring performance of Sally’s Song whilst Elfman leapt around the stage performing the cult favourite; What’s This? from Burton’s eerie classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Having sung on the original film, Elfman’s excitable rendition was praised with the longest standing ovation the Royal Albert Hall has witnessed in 2013. Afterwards, the celebrated composer proclaimed it was the greatest moment of his life leading to further applause from the floor.
Project Manager of this tour was senior engineer Stephen Hughes alongside stage engineers Elaine Duffy & Richard Callin, FOH engineer Rob Waite and systems technicians Dave Shepherd & Phil Down. In terms of equipment, a combination of EM Acoustics, DiGiCo and Meyer Sound systems were used. For the PA in the Royal Albert Hall, Sound By Design used its brand new in-house HALO-C system which continues to impress audiences and industry professionals alike. Further EM Acoustics equipment was implemented including M12 and EMS51 monitors for the orchestra, choir and guest singers. For the artists’ in-ear monitors however, Sennheiser G3’s were worn by Danny Elfman, Helena Bonham Carter and a selection of the orchestra. The set-up remained largely the same for the entire tour with the exception of the touring PA which changed to a flown Meyer Sound Mica system underpinned with 700HP subs designed by systems technician Dave Shepherd.
The concert has gone on to receive five star reviews and endless praise from audiences across the UK. This was a fantastic tour to be involved and Sound By Design is thrilled to have been a part of its world premiere. The tour will now move on to the USA to wow audiences across the pond.