DARREN BEVAN previews the APO’s “Return of a Night at the Movies”, performing June 14 at the Aotea Centre.

AFTER 19 years of cinematic Indiana Jones silence, there was always going to be some trepidation about whether the new movie lived up to the gloss of the trilogy we all remembered when we were young. So at the Cannes Film Festival this year, it was no surprise that audiences packed out the screening of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull – but it was perhaps also no surprise that as the lights dimmed some members of the audience chose to sing John Williams’ original score aloud.

It’s clear that there are some pieces of music which will be forever intrinsically linked with the movies; and as the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra returns to Auckland for the sequel to last year’s A Night at the Movies, maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

Return of a Night at the Movies promises to build on last year’s event – and having seen an eight-year-old raving about the performances and humming the tunes non-stop for days after, I’m a bit nervous as to what he’ll make of it this time.

The organisers haven’t scrimped either – there’s going to be the chance to hear pieces from such favourites as the Lion King, 2001: A Space Odyssey and ET to name but a few. Throw into the mix Brett Kelly who, fresh from conducting some of Australia’s leading orchestras, makes his debut with the APO. Rosita Vai will also be on hand to sing some of the tunes, adding her post-New Zealand Idol touches to such iconic pop songs as Flashdance’s What A Feeling.

Yes, those of you with high miticlorian counts won’t feel any kind of disturbance in the Force, as the usual crowd pleasers from the Star Wars saga will be present – as will the NZ Star Wars club in full costume (no doubt still high after Charles Ross’ One Man Star Wars Trilogy hit town during the comedy festival.)

Perhaps the most interesting sensual treat on offer – aside from the hard work of those in the orchestra – will be the winner of the CUT TO: MUSIC film competition recently run in connection with the concert. According to the APO’s Chief executive Barbara Glaser, this is a real chance for film directors around the country to craft something around what they hear and could even show the public the next big thing to hit the cinematic screen. She’s also promising a few other surprises on the night, so it’d be wise to make sure you book in advance for this – although I wouldn’t be surprised, if given its popularity, it becomes an annual event; each time bigger and better than the last.