Lord Of The Rings is, without a doubt, a classic that has transcended the passages of time. It not only captivated the hearts of many, but also produced one of the most stunning, epic soundtracks ever. According to Seattle Times, “Shore’s musical opus is every bit impressive as Tolkien’s literary one, standing on it’s own as a sweeping, operatic experience.”

Composed by Canadian film composer Howard Shore the Oscar-winning score will be performed in 6 movements with orchestra, chorus, and soloists on June 5 and 6, as part of the Singapore Arts Festival 2008.

With the combined help of the Singapore Festival Orchestra, Chorus of the Slovene National Theatres Maribor and Ljubljana, and the Singapore Lyric Opera Markus Huber leads the team into a glorious battle of their own, delivering 2 hours of pure, unadulterated music to regular listeners and Tolkien fans worldwide.

Impressive musical talent and chorus aside, there’s also an inescapable quality that’s produced with their eclectic chemistry. The clear, pristine voices of the soloists and the choir blend in perfect harmony to the music played by the orchestra, drawing the listener into the world of Tolkien, leaving behind a feeling best likened to a daydream.

Their rendition of “Isengard” creates such a feeling that it brings the listener straight into the heart of Isengard itself, surrounded by the walls of the immense iron fortress. In the Tolkien’s tale, Isengard is where the battle of the Ents occured. Other memorable tracks, such as the “Return of The King”, will also be played.

Contrasted against a “live” performance, the CD soundtrack pale in comparison, as the former’s orchestra and chorus capture the raw energy and emotion of the score – something modern technology cannot achieve. It’s also interesting to note that the 6 different movements are arranged in a way that each movement represents a different book in Tolkien’s timeless literary work.

To complete the experience, storyboard drawings and conceptual art from the movie, by artists John Howe and Alan Lee, will be projected on a huge screen behind the orchestra, giving the listener a satisfying visual experience that complements the audial one.

With its flawless and abstract sound, you don’t even need to be a Lord Of The Rings fan. This is one performance that will surely take your breath away and leave you wanting more.

The Lord Of The Rings Symphony will be held at the Esplanade Concert Hall from June 5 to 6. Tickets go for $35, $45, $65, $110, $140 and $150. It lasts for 140 mins, with intermission.

Photos courtesy of Odell Seah and Singapore Arts Festival 2008.

This article is part of UrbanWire’s 9-week Singapore Arts Festival 2008 special. Get all the latest Arts Fest updates and reviews on UrbanWire.