The classical concert of the future (according to science-fiction movies)

17 April 2015, 23:36 | Updated: 6 January 2017, 14:45

What might an orchestral concert look like in the year 2315? After watching a few of our favourite sci-fi movies, we think we know. Here's the future of live classical music, as told by Star Wars, Star Trek, The Fifth Element and more.

The venue

Welcome to our sci-fi concert. As Bruce Willis demonstrates in The Fifth Element, it's still important even in the 23rd century to dress up in black tie when you go to a classical music event. And just look at the beautiful futuristic venue that bears no similarity at all to the Royal Opera House. Try not to be too distracted from the action on stage by the beautiful view over the planet we're orbiting. 

The orchestra

You might recognise our woodwind section if you've ever spent a weekend on Tatooine. Say 'hi' to the Cantina Band from Star Wars.

cantina band

On piano, we have Starbuck from the reboot series of Battlestar Galactica.

Hmm, actually, not sure about her - is she a Cylon? Not to worry, though - we've got the second incarnation of the Doctor as our star recorder player. Can someone ask him to go back in time and undo the Starbuck booking?

Leading the brass section, Commander Riker from Star Trek: The Next Generation on trombone.

And here's our soloist, Riker's boss, Captain Jean-Luc Picard, on the Ressikan flute. Time to start the concert? Make it so.

 

On-stage preparation

Let's tune up - give us an A, Spock. Looking forward to hearing more from that Vulcan harp.

Prelude

For tonight's concert, we're opening with Ode to the Universe, composed by the tenth incarnation of the Doctor.

Largo

Let's move on to a nice slow piece now. Introducing the android lady from Blade Runner.

The concerto

Next up, it's Concierto de Aranjuez, played by a minor character in the 2014 RoboCop reboot. At least Gary Oldman seems to like it.

The finale

The highlight of the night: alien soprano Diva Plavalaguna from The Fifth Element. Try not to be too distracted by Milla Jovovich beating up the gang of rubber-faced aliens.

The ovation?

So, a great success then? Well you can't please everyone. (Yes, that's Spock's dad Sarek walking out.)

And the afterparty

Every great concert has one. Backstage at our science-fiction concert, the Star Trek party is a surprisingly sedate affair.