Coco in Concert

Last night I celebrated the Day of the Dead by watching the movie Coco while the Utah Symphony played the score by Michael Giacchino live.  It was so much fun because I think Coco is such a magical movie!  It is about the importance of family as a twelve year old boy named Miguel travels to the Land of the Dead on Dia de los Meurtos to uncover a mystery about his ancestors.  I loved seeing this on the big screen again because the images are so vibrant and colorful, especially the marigold petals that are used to guide family members to their loved ones and the spirit animals.  The music in this movie is absolutely wonderful and features some incredibly beautiful themes that incorporate Spanish guitars, a festive mariachi band, and the full orchestra.  The Utah Symphony, under the baton of Associate Conductor Conor Covington, performed it beautifully and I often found myself watching the two guitar players rather than the screen.  My favorite parts of the score are "Crossing the Marigold Bridge," "Cave Dwelling on the Past," and "Reunion Familiar de Rivera" because I find the story to be so moving in these scenes and the music really adds to the pathos.  I also really enjoyed the many version of the song "Remember Me," particularly the version by Miguel and Mama Coco (I may or may not have been crying at that point).  The crowd, many of whom were in costumes with sugar skull makeup, was so much fun because they cheered out loud multiple times.  I really love the Utah Symphony's Films in Concert series and this was such a fun movie to include.  I enjoyed it so much and I recommend getting a ticket for tonight's performance (go here).

Note:  There was a fantastic mariachi band performing before the show and there was an ofrenda in the lobby featuring pictures of famous composers (so clever).