From the sweeping sounds of Middle-earth to the timeless hits of the 60s and 70s, Elon’s upcoming concerts showcase how music can tell stories, evoke emotion and bring audiences together.
Have you ever considered the behind-the-scenes work that goes into a film? Not the filming process or the script, but the music that shapes each moment. From gut-wrenching sorrow to thrilling action and quiet joy, these scenes would not carry the same emotional weight without carefully crafted, artistically rich musical scores.
On April 21 at 7:30 p.m. in McCrary Theatre, the Elon Orchestra, conducted by Stephen A. Futrell, will bring this powerful element of storytelling to life. Performing selections from one of the most iconic film score series — “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” —the orchestra will highlight how music alone can capture character, tension and emotion in ways that transcend the screen.
Composed by Academy Award-winning composer Howard Shore, the music of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” is widely recognized for its complexity and emotional depth. Film scoring, Futrell explains, has long been closely tied to classical music traditions, using recurring themes and motifs to represent characters, settings and emotional shifts. These musical elements heighten tension, signal resolution and guide the audience’s emotional experience throughout a story. While film is often considered a form of popular entertainment, its scores are often just as thoughtfully constructed and artistically rich as traditional symphonies. For the student musicians of the Elon Orchestra, performing this repertoire offers a unique opportunity to explore that connection and engage with music that bridges the classical and popular worlds.
While the orchestra explores cinematic storytelling through sound, élan will take a different approach—bringing audiences back to the music of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Performing on April 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Elon Community Church, the ensemble will present a dynamic and nostalgic program featuring some of the most recognizable hits of the era.
The concert will include a wide range of artists and styles, from a powerful vocal arrangement of Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’” to a Beatles medley featuring classics like “Let It Be,” “Hey Jude” and “The Long and Winding Road.” The program also highlights Motown with a Stevie Wonder medley, alongside music from artists such as the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye and Ashford & Simpson. In addition, audiences will hear selections from Paul Simon, including “Loves Me Like a Rock,” “Mother & Child Reunion” and a gospel-inspired arrangement of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Together, these performances highlight the versatility and artistry of Elon’s student musicians, showcasing music’s ability to tell stories across genres and generations. From the sweeping, cinematic scores of Middle-earth to the timeless hits that defined an era, both concerts offer audiences a chance to experience the power of music in different but equally compelling ways. Whether drawn by nostalgia, storytelling, or a love of live performance, attendees can expect engaging and memorable evenings that celebrate both tradition and creativity within Elon’s music community.