Disney's 'Fantasia' Footage to Get Live London Philharmonic Orchestra Accompaniment

LONDON -- The London Philharmonic Orchestra is to showcase a selection of music from Walt Disney’s original Fantasia and Disney’s Fantasia 2000 at the Royal Albert Hall complete with extracts from the films in high definition.

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The one off concert, billed as a U.K. premiere of the animation footage and symphonic music is scheduled for Oct. 21.

The show will include a selection of the repertoire from the original 1940 version of Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 including Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

The music will be performed live while iconic moments from Disney’s footage -- including Mickey Mouse as he dabbles in magic in Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and the mythical unicorns and winged horses that accompany Beethoven’s "Pastoral" Symphony -- are shown on the big screen.

Royal Albert Hall COO Jasper Hope said: "Over 70 years since its original release, Disney’s stunning visuals and Stokowski’s timeless soundtrack continue to be treasured by audiences of all ages. These high-definition screenings, accompanied by the live performance of some of the most memorable classical music ever composed, will bring this unforgettable experience to an entirely new generation.”

Disney's Jonathan Heely, executive producer, has been connected with Fantasia since preparing music for the digital soundtrack recording in 1982.

"I am so pleased that new technology, film restoration, and support of Disney Animation make it possible for orchestras to recreateFantasia’s magic in the concert hall."

Disney’s Fantasia is the latest film to be presented with a live orchestra as part of a cinematic experience at the Royal Albert Hall.

It follows the successful sold out performances of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Matrix and will follow the European premiere of the 50thAnniversary of West Side Story in June.