Movie Music Mesmerizes: Canberra Pianist’s Piano Concert Delights Audience

Canberra pianist Stuart Long recently captivated an audience with a mesmerizing piano concert featuring a selection of iconic movie music and timeless classics. The event, titled “Across Space and Time,” took place at the Wesley Music Centre in Forrest and left a lasting impression on attendees.

Film scores have a unique ability to evoke emotions and enhance cinematic experiences, becoming deeply ingrained in the memories of viewers. Stuart Long skillfully brought to life the essence of these compositions, offering a journey through various emotions and eras with his piano performance.

Trained at the ANU School of Music, Stuart Long’s expertise was evident as he skillfully interpreted pieces by renowned composers. The concert opened with Ludovico Einaldi’s “Nuovole Bianche,” known for its presence in the film “The Intouchables,” setting a visually captivating tone. The program also included Michael Nyman’s evocative “Big My Secret” from “The Piano” and Astor Piazzola’s passionate “Invierno Portenõ” from “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.”

Stuart Long’s repertoire extended to contemporary pieces like Angelo Badalimenti’s music from “Twin Peaks” and Kanye West’s “Runaway,” showcasing the diversity of his performance. The inclusion of classical works such as Erik Satie’s reflective “Gymnopédie No. 1” added depth to the program, highlighting Long’s versatility as a pianist.

Noteworthy performances of John Williams’ emotional theme from “Schindler’s List” and the nostalgic melody from “Cinema Paradiso” by Ennio and Andrea Morricone resonated with the audience. The concert also featured Philip Glass’ poignant theme from “The Hours” and Michael Nyman’s “The Heart Asks Pleasure First,” each piece contributing to the concert’s emotional richness.

As the concert reached its climax, Long delivered a vibrant rendition of Einaldi’s “I Giorni,” leaving the audience with a sense of optimism and tranquility. For the encore, Long delighted the crowd with “Encore Di Lirico” by local composer Sally Greenaway, further showcasing his appreciation for contemporary works.

Stuart Long’s performance was met with enthusiasm and appreciation, marking a memorable evening for all in attendance. His ability to convey the depth and emotion of each composition reaffirmed the enduring power of music to transcend time and connect with audiences on a profound level.