I love Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, perhaps my favourite classical piece. Hence, when I discovered the Monash Chamber Orchestra (MCO)’s setlist includes selections from Swan Lake, I hastily got myself a ticket to their annual concert: Rhyme of Seasons: Melodies Beyond The Rabbit Hole. This year, they are set to follow Alice’s journey throughout the seasons, with a bit of everything ranging from Kiki’s Delivery Service’s soundtrack to, of course, pieces from Swan Lake. Without further ado, let’s hop on to this ecstatic journey beyond the rabbit hole!

Just like Alice, I immediately got transported to a wonderland once they played the opening theme. As a kind gentleman narrated the story, the first set, Spring, began with a well-known piece, River Flows in You by Yiruma. The MCO rendition of this song included a very sentimental and alluring beat; it felt like the warm embrace of a spring day. After concluding River Flows in You, the set continued with the delicate melody of Leo Delibes’ Sylvia: Pizzicato. With an outstanding execution from MCO, this pair successfully showcased the feeling of spring: gentle sun-kisses, sprouting flowers, the petrichor of a light drizzle, and whatnot.

Now venturing into the second set: Summer! To be frank, I love a good summer day: a picnic by the beach, a whole coconut, the soothing waves, and an absolutely good read. However, MCO took a different approach to interpreting summer. Along with Alice, I was taken to the colorful landscape of an ancient city in the desert, much more like Marrakech! The first song was none other than Samson et Dalila by Camille Saint-Saëns, which opened with a playful flute. This song gave off the vibe of being chased in a traditional market with your pet monkey, Aladdin much? The momentum of this playfulness was successfully maintained within the second song, La Conga del Fuego Nuevo by Arturo Márquez, with its combination of intense and groovy beats.

After a short intermission, we finally came to the set I was anticipating the most: Autumn! I mean, I have never experienced autumn before except for listening to Taylor Swift’s All Too Well or drinking pumpkin spice latte; hence, I didn’t know what to expect. The set opened with a soundtrack of a widely beloved anime: Kiki’s Delivery Service’s A Town With An Ocean View, composed by Joe Hisaishi. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, you are surely familiar with these melodies; it’s comforting, a rather unique selection for autumn indeed.

Next in line, I had to make a separate paragraph for this one because I am bringing back my Swan Lake hyperfixation. I might be ultimately biased, but this piece by Tchaikovsky is a literal perfection. MCO’s selections from Swan Lake combined Op. 20, Act 2: No. 10, Scene. Moderato and Act 1: No. 2, Waltz; name a more iconic duo! I believe there is no adjective that can describe the feelings I had upon witnessing their performance. All the positive emotions rushed through my nerves, urging me to shed a tear or two, surely due to the sentiment I have toward Swan Lake. It was beautiful, it was majestic, it was ethereal, it was everything in between! Thus, massive kudos to MCO for reviving my childhood dream.

Last but not least, let’s follow Alice to her final destination: Winter. I was definitely caught off guard when they started to play a Frozen II Medley by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, as I was insanely focused on the Swan Lake mention while reading the setlist. Right below Swan Lake, this piece is my second personal favorite because who doesn’t love Frozen? Sisterhood wrapped in an icy winter fairytale, and of course Olaf, a ball of sunshine (ironically) personified (and he’s not even a person). Unfortunately, we had to end this night with one final performance: The Polar Express Medley. Think: Christmas, fireplace, hanging stockings, and hot chocolate; it was a perfect way to end the season!

However, it seems like the orchestra still had a few bullets left in their gun. The audience was surprised with two additional songs: Radetzky March and All I Want for Christmas Is You! While playing the mega Christmas hit, All I Want for Christmas You, MCO projected a fun and heartwarming behind-the-scenes montage of their practices. All I can say is: you guys outdid yourselves this time. The concert was beyond enjoyable!

A little closing remark: I believe music transcends every mundane aspect of life, it might be the closest thing we have to heaven. It is the one thing that can bind people of distinct cultures and upbringings in one place, disregarding any apparent differences. This concert will have a special place in my heart, each and every melody woven, fabricated into a knot of memories in my brain. I will never forget this short journey. It was a pleasure, truly. But for now, good night; you have serenaded me with an enchanting lullaby.

Article by Teresa