The Kuringai Youth Orchestra’s Broadway Meets Hollywood concert was a dazzling journey through movie and theatrical worlds, reminding audiences how powerfully music can transport us. From the opening bars of John Williams’ “Superman March”, the orchestra swept listeners into the realm of heroism and adventure, brass and percussion bursting with jubilant energy. It was the perfect curtain raiser for an afternoon that moved seamlessly between Broadway spectacle and cinematic grandeur.

After the closure of the Knox Abbotsleigh ensemble, the Kuringai Youth Orchestra has spent the past decade evolving into a vibrant community of school and university musicians. Along the way they have won Sydney Eisteddfod prizes, premiered new Australian works, and even reached global audiences through international broadcasts. Their programs this year have ranged from the symphonies of Tchaikovsky and Dvorák to premieres by emerging composers, while also bringing music into civic life at festivals and ceremonies. Appearances on ABC Kids and international television have introduced orchestral music to audiences of all ages, each performance marking another step in the ensemble’s growth and showing how young musicians can rise to every challenge.

Broadway Meets Hollywood proved to be the ideal pre-Christmas celebration – a concert that balanced festivity with reflection and showcased the orchestra at its very best. Film scores give stories their emotional heartbeat; they don’t simply accompany a scene but shape how we feel, lifting moments into triumph, tenderness, or awe. The program’s blend of cinematic grandeur and Broadway sparkle captured the joy of the season while serving as a fitting capstone to a year of creativity and connection.

The medleys from Les Misérables showcased the ensemble’s versatility, shifting from playful charm to revolutionary fervour with ease. The full orchestra thundered through “Do You Hear the People Sing”, capturing the emotional sweep of Victor Hugo’s story. Bernstein’s West Side Story selections crackled with rhythm and colour, the syncopated energy of “America” and the tenderness of “Maria” reminding us why this score remains timeless. Experiencing Wicked purely as music was invigorating, revealing new layers of character and emotion and allowing the audience to appreciate Stephen Schwartz’s artistry in a way often overshadowed by the show’s dazzling production.

John Williams’ music was a thread running through the afternoon and the orchestra rose to the challenge of his iconic soundscapes. “The Jurassic Park” theme radiated awe and wonder, while the “Raiders March” pulsed with adventure, brought vividly to life under guest conductor Lyndon Coward. “The Jedi Steps” and “Finale” from The Force Awakens was a highlight, blending old and new motifs in a way that no doubt  thrilled Star Wars devotees. As a self-confessed Star Wars nerd and admirer of Williams, I felt like I’d stumbled into musical heaven. Yet it was the Theme from Schindler’s List, performed with haunting sensitivity by soloist Timothy de Solom, that brought the hall to stillness, a reminder of music’s power to bear witness to history and human resilience.

What ultimately set this concert apart was the way it reflected the orchestra’s identity as much as its artistry. Under the strong and supportive guidance of Musical Director Brad Lucas the players combined discipline with joy, their wide age range creating a rare blend of youthful energy and seasoned mentorship. The evening also marked a moment of transition, welcoming new members, including a harpist not yet out of primary school, while farewelling senior figures such as Harry Wagstaff (oboe) and Katie Jones (flute), whose contributions as principal players and committee members have helped shape the ensemble.

That balance of fresh beginnings and fond farewells captured the essence of KYO: a community where music builds confidence, nurtures creativity, and forges lasting connections. As the final notes faded, the audience was left not only with memories of Broadway and Hollywood but with a deeper appreciation of the orchestra’s vision to inspire, connect, and grow together. As 2026 approaches, anticipation is already building for what lies ahead for this remarkable ensemble.

For further details see: https://kyo.org.au/

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This review also appears on What’s on Sydney