MSO celebrates Babe’s 20th anniversary

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is holding a special live concert to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Australia’s favorite sheep-pig Babe.

While the beloved film plays on the big screen, its soundtrack will come alive on stage in a collaborative effort between the MSO and the film’s original soundtrack composer Nigel Westlake.

The world premiere screening of Babe: The 20th Anniversary Concert will have just two shows at Hamer Hall on July 11 and 12. Westlake will conduct the MSO in an adaption of the film’s original score written especially for the concert hall.

Mr Westlake said he was looking forward to revisiting the film’s soundtrack and breathing a new life into the film with the help of the orchestra.

“Having recorded the score all those years ago with members of the MSO, I am delighted to be conducting it live in concert,” he said.

“The score has been re-worked especially for this occasion and I honestly can’t wait to be joining my friends from the orchestra on stage to present what we hope to be a thrilling concert event for the whole family.”

And even after two decades, Mr Westlake said he thought the story of Babe was still as relevant today as when it was released.

“20 years on, and this tale of an unprejudiced heart looks as fresh as the day it was made. I had forgotten just how quirky, heart-warming, gentle and beautifully crafted this movie is,” he said.

The performance will give Babe fans the chance to re-watch the family favourite film in a unique atmosphere and hear the soundtrack recreated by some of the finest musicians in the country.

Westlake and the MSO will also release their first ever recording of the Babe soundtrack, which will be available on CD though ABC Classics.

For more information or to make a booking visit www.mso.com.au