National Geographic: Symphony for Our World

Since its iconic yellow-spined magazines embraced imagery over a century ago, National Geographic has defined the art of nature photography and helped shape our understanding of the earth. Its vaults are vast and now have been artfully plundered to create a spectacular 90 minute film synchronised to a gigantic five movement symphony for live orchestra and chorus.

Each movement focuses on an environment – Seas, Shore, Land, Mountains, Sky – and the cumulative power of the breathtaking footage is both humbling and awe-inspiring.

The music from Emmy and BAFTA nominated Bleeding Fingers Music (co-founded by Hans Zimmer, Extreme Music CEO Russell Emanuel, Steven Kofsky and SonyATV), the award winning team behind the Blue Planet series, is rich, atmospheric and uplifting; its orchestral power tailored to the magnificence of the natural world it underscores. This live performance featuring Aurora, the Festival Statesmen Chorus and the Adelaide Festival Orchestra conducted by Jessica Gethin will be an unforgettable experience for you and your family, a fitting and celebratory opening to the 2019 Adelaide Festival.

For tens of thousands of years we worshipped our planet. For a few hundred we have abused, defiled and exploited it. Yes, this will be a gorgeous night in the park but, in some way too, it’s a reminder of what truly matters and the legacy we leave the children sitting with us.

For the audio version of this event page, click here.

Download a map of Elder Park here.

A raucous concert-going crowd rose to its feet as one following the last strains of the final movement of National Geographic's Symphony for Our World… a feast for the eyes and a tug on the conscience.
The Austin Chronicle

Participants

Performed by Aurora, the Festival Statesmen Chorus and the Adelaide Festival Orchestra

Conduced by Jessica Gethin

Photo Joel Sartore, Photoark

Resources

ACCESS

Can I buy tickets on site?
This is a free event, so there will be no ticket sales.
What time should I get there?
Gates open at 5:00pm, concert starts at 8:30pm. We suggest you plan on arriving early as big crowds are expected and we may not be able to accommodate everyone who wants to enjoy the performance.
What if I have a wheelchair/mobility issues?
A cordoned off accessible viewing area will be made available for patrons in wheelchairs and those who have mobility issues (please note that limited seating is provided). Please ensure you arrive early and make yourself known to Front of House staff should you wish to use this area.

FACILITIES

Are toilets available on site?
Temporary toilets (including access toilets) will be available on site.
Is there any catering/food/drinks?
There will be bars and a variety of quality catering on site. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from 5:00pm until the end of the concert. Reusable water bottles are permitted but strictly no glass please! There will be 4 free water stations around Elder Park for your refillable drink bottles
Is there an ATM on site?
There are no ATM’s in Elder Park, however there are plenty of ATM’s close by. Please note that cashless payments will be preferred.
Is there first aid on site?
There will be dedicated first aid on site for the event as well as security to ensure a fun and safe experience to all guests. Refer to our FOH staff if you need anything during the event.
What if I lose something during the event?
There will be an information booth on site which will also act as a lost property point and a missing and found children’s location.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Please be prepared to participate in a bag search upon entrance. In order to enter quickly, we advise you travel light and don’t bring a bag.

What am I NOT permitted to bring in?
· High chairs (low chairs only are allowed)
· Alcohol, drinks in glass or aluminium cans.
· Bikes (not inside the event but parking is available outside)
· Pets (guide and assistance animals permitted)
· Professional standard still or video cameras, audio recording devices and tripods.

Any recording, photography or filming of the performance is prohibited.

WEATHER

Extreme Heat
We are expecting an extremely hot day on Saturday 2 March. Please take all precautions that you normally would on such a day - Slip, Slop, Slap and keep hydrated. Refill your resuable water bottles at our free water station - see orange dot #4 on the map above.

Due to hot weather conditions, temporary shades are permitted in Elder Park but the use of tent pegs is strictly prohibited.
All temporary shades must be dismantled at 8pm.

Will the outdoor concerts go ahead rain or shine?
This seems extremely unlikely but in the event of rain the concert will still go ahead. In the case of severe weather, please check adelaidefestival.com.au at 4pm on the day of the performance for final weather details in the event of inclement weather.

DRIVING TO THE EVENT?

Please note that Adelaide Festival Centre's car park is closed.
Visit UPark to find the closest car park to the venue. We recommend UPark Gawler Place or UPark Topham Mall.

Partners

Featured in the Don Dunstan Foundation Social Change Guide

Have you thought about dinner?

Make it a night and book your meal at Jolleys Boathouse before or after your show.

Discover the AF offer

View Event Details

WHEN

Sat 02 Mar, 8:30pm

WHERE

Elder Park
King William Street, Adelaide

DURATION

2 hr, including interval

NOTE

Outdoor event. Concert plays rain or shine. Low beach chairs (without legs) permitted. Catering onsite. No BYO alcohol. See Resources for FAQs.

ACCESS

Have you thought about dinner?

Make it a night and book your meal at Jolleys Boathouse before or after your show.

Discover the AF offer