Award-Winning Music and Pure Star Power: Why 'Black Panther in Concert' Should be on Your Sydney Culture Calendar

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"Wakanda Forever". A phrase that echoes throughout pop culture and the world. It became a rallying cry, a sign of respect and a salute to a film that shouldn't be described as anything less than art: Black Panther. The character dates back to the 1960s in the world of Marvel comics but made his live-action film debut in the 2016 entry to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America: Civil War. Then came the wildly popular 2018 solo film Black Panther.

This July, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra brings the film to life on the big screen with the soundtrack performed live, and where else to do it but the Sydney Opera House? We're here to tell you why this show is unmissable, and we're starting now.

Matt Kennedy ©Marvel Studios 2018

THE FILM

2018's Black Panther was a pivotal point for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and superhero culture as a whole. After his MCU debut in Captain America: Civil War, actor Chadwick Boseman became a household name as both T'Challa, king of the fictional African nation of Wakanda, and his superhero alter ego of the Black Panther. Boseman tragically passed away from cancer in 2020, but remains an icon of cinema and the superhero genre.

Black Panther broke down barriers as the first Marvel film to feature a majority Black cast and crew. It also joined Marvel royalty as the first ever MCU film to win an Academy Award, collecting three in 2019. Here's what Concrete Playground's film expert, Sarah Ward, had to say in her 2018 review:

"[Director Ryan] Coogler has crafted an entertaining, engaging and impassioned movie that is both proud of and confident in its differences, and is also committed to shining the spotlight on the people that blockbuster cinema so often ignores. What could be more awe-inspiring than that?"

THE MUSIC

One of the three Academy Awards won by Black Panther was for its soundtrack, the first superhero film to ever win an award in that category. That soundtrack was created by Swedish composer Ludwig Göransson, who created a score that not only holds the typical soaring crescendos representative of a superhero and memorable melodies of their antagonistic counterpart but does so using an excellent blend of traditional African music and modern Afrofuturist music.

Göransson visited villages in West and South Africa to meet local musicians and research the ins and outs of traditional African music. Famed Senegalese vocalist Baaba Maal took him on a tour of his home country, and when Göransson returned to LA to start working, he knew Maal was perfect to perform the film's vocals. For his score, Göransson took traditional instruments and vocals, backed them with a full orchestra and in some cases merged the instruments with modern hip-hop beats. The result? A truly unique score that propelled Göransson into Hollywood stardom.

THE VENUE

If you're bringing a game-changing soundtrack like that to life, the venue needs to do it justice. Somewhere large, somewhere famous, somewhere with bloody good acoustics, somewhere like the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall.

If you haven't attended anything in the space since its reopening post-renovation, here's what you need to know: from a technical point of view, the hall has been updated to improve the experience for performers and audiences alike. Without getting overly specific, adjustments have been made to the stage, walls and ceiling to allow for better acoustics and amplification of sound. So we've got an exclusively well-made show in an exclusively designed venue. It's also a very limited run, with performances spread across three nights from Thursday, July 27 to Saturday, July 29.

THE ORCHESTRA

We've talked about the movie, the venue and the music, but what about the musicians who'll be playing it? The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is one of Australia's most esteemed and accomplished musical institutions, with a rich history and record of exceptional performances. Established in 1932, the orchestra has evolved into a world-class ensemble that captivates audiences worldwide. Over the years, it has welcomed numerous acclaimed conductors, composers, and soloists, elevating its reputation for excellence in performing a wide range of classical, contemporary, and Australian works.

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra's commitment to musical excellence is evident in their impeccable performances. Their highly skilled musicians, precision, and passion contribute to the exceptional quality of their renditions. The Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House is one of their most frequent venues, so the group has perfected playing for the space. It's an impressive resume, and the orchestra will bring all that experience and expertise to Black Panther in Concert.

THE GUEST STARS

For this concert run, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra is being joined by two special guest musicians. Conductor Anthony Parnther and percussionist Massamba Diop are joining the orchestra for this performance, bringing a mix of Hollywood talent and traditional musical skills. Parnther, known for his dynamic interpretations and work in film composition, has conducted prestigious orchestras worldwide. Joining him is percussionist Massamba Diop, who worked on the original Black Panther score recordings and is acclaimed for his rhythmic mastery and soulful artistry.

Together with a full orchestra, these talented musicians will bring the groundbreaking Black Panther score to life, fusing orchestral brilliance with authentic African beats. This performance promises a mesmerising fusion of culture, music, and storytelling, immersing audiences in the captivating world of Wakanda next to our own Sydney Harbour. With the combined expertise and dedication of these musicians, the orchestra is sure to deliver an incredible experience.

Black Panther Live in Concert is running across Thursday, July 27, Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29. To get tickets or find more information, visit the website.