Two nights of music marked the special event; the first centring around the music of two titans of Hollywood – John Williams and Hans Zimmer, while the second was an all-out celebration of music from the illustrious decade of the ‘80s!

Featuring a host of the big screen classics and including scores from Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jaws, The Da Vinci Code, Schindler’s List, Gladiator, Jurassic Park, Interstellar, ET and many more ­— as ever film music evoked the big pictures and even bigger emotions for attendees on Friday night. A reviewer from The Portsmouth News said “as Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra begin playing I am transported – it’s a Proustian rush – I got lucky, the Spielberg classic was the first film I ever saw in the cinema. I recall being taken by my dad, and for a moment I may have had something in my eye…”

The Symphonic ‘80s concert on Saturday night included West-End singers Emma Kershaw, Katie Birtill, Patrick Smyth and Oliver Tompsett, alongside the Orchestra. Music featured all the best-loved classics from the decade, from George Michael, David Bowie, Blondie and Elton John to Whitney Houston, Toto, Pet Shop Boys, Madonna, and a heartfelt tribute to Bonnie Tyler who had sadly died just a week earlier.

Speaking to Express FM last week, singer Emma Kershaw said ‘80s music proved so popular because, “It’s sort of a nostalgia thing, isn’t it? […] There’s a party atmosphere to it.” The Portsmouth News said “Being up close to the orchestra, you can feel the power of their playing and there is absolute joy witnessing them in full flight.”

One concert attendee said, “The music was amazing… made all the better by the setting!” Another said, “Absolutely worth every penny. Where can I get tickets for next year?”

Portsmouth Guildhall is our “home” in the maritime city, and one of the leading events venues on the South Coast. It hosts our orchestral concerts each year, including everything from monumental symphonies to Christmas classics and Hollywood hits.

Click here  to learn more about what’s coming up from the BSO in and around Portsmouth. Read more about the event in The Portsmouth News here.