The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is back with another of their famed film concerts. This time, with the 2010 epic animation, How To Train Your Dragon. Hosted at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s Plenary Theatre, this special orchestra performance was a night to remember!
After the release of the live-action remake, the excitement around the franchise was high and it was perfect timing for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to perform the original animation, live in concert, with the film played on the big screen.
In case you have forgotten, the 2010 original animation follows the tale of Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) who is an aspiring young Viking on the island of Berk. However, this is no ordinary island, Berk is constantly attacked and raided by dragons! The entire village find themselves fighting off the flying beasts almost daily. Led by Hiccup’s father, Stoick (voiced by Gerard Butler), the people of Berk seek to destroy the dragons once and for all and hopefully bringing peace to their village.
However, one evening, Hiccup strikes down the feared Night Fury Dragon. But when he tracks down the creature, an unexpected relationship blossoms and Hiccup finds himself training the dragon known as Toothless, allowing Hiccup to ride the Toothless and as they learn to fly together. Eventually, Hiccup discovers the real reason behind the almost daily raids on the village and finds himself in a battle that would shape the future of Berk for years to come.
Now, whilst this animation from 15 years ago is still one of the best animated films to date, it is the incredible score by John Powell that really brings this film to life. The grand compositions and epic soundscapes are what makes the How To Train Your Dragon film truly spectacular. And with conductor Nicholas Buc at the helm, hearing this score live, with a full orchestra is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
I always love these film concerts, and each one brings a sense of joy and excitement to the patrons in attendance that is unlike any other event, from lining up for a special photo keepsake at the Social Exposure photobooths before the performance, to the excited patrons dressed in their favourite film themed outfits, and even some props to show their appreciation for the film and score they are about to experience. I for one took my little Toothless plushie that fit perfectly into the pocket of my bag. It was exciting seeing the kids point out his cute little head poking out.
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra put on a stellar performance, and it gave me goosebumps hearing the live score as Hiccup and Toothless took their first flight together. It brought back all of the emotions of seeing this amazing film for the very first time. A truly nostalgic experience that you cannot get anywhere else.
The sold-out Plenary Theatre erupted in thunderous applause at the end of each piece of music, showing an admiration for the performance and the score itself. Even during the numbers, it was great to see patrons getting into the music. None more so than the lovely person who sat next to me, almost conducting along with Nicholas Buc as the orchestra performed.
I had a lovely chat with them at intermission, and it turns out that Maria had flown all the way from the Gold Coast to attend. She exclaimed how they were a musician themselves and that How To Train Your Dragon is one of, if not, her most favourite film. She also mentioned how much admiration she had for John Powell as a composer, not just for this film, but for all the works that Powell has been involved in.
This is exactly why I love these film concerts. They bring people in from all over the country to experience fantastic favourite films in a new light. With a live score, this is a unique setting that many don’t get the opportunity to be a part of. For this concert, there were many children not only seeing How To Train Your Dragon for the first time but they were also experiencing their first live symphony orchestra performance.
How To Train Your Dragon has stood the test of time and remains a beloved animated film that’s evenly filled with a lot of heart, friendship, great music, and most importantly, dragons! With a sold-out concert that was packed with excited patrons of all ages, some even seeing the MSO for the first time, How To Train Your Dragon: Live In Concert with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will easily go down in history as one of my favourite ever MSO’s live film concert experiences.
If you are interested in what it is like to experience, you are in luck because there are limited tickets available for the final performances on Saturday the 2nd of August. With a session at 2pm and final session at 7:30pm, this is one live experience you do not want to miss!
However, if you miss out and are still keen to experience the How To Train Your Dragon universe with a live orchestra, you are in luck because the film concert of How To Train Your Dragon 2 will be coming to Melbourne next year!
How To Train Your Dragon: Live In Concert was performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Buc on Friday the 1st of August at The Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.mso.com.au/performance/2025-how-to-train-your-dragon-in-concert