SEATTLE SYMPHONY "Danny Elfman's Music From The Films Of Tim Burton" September 27 and 28th, 2025. Review.

DANNY ELFMAN’S MUSIC FROM THE FILMS OF TIM BURTON

Seattle Symphony
Benaroya Hall
Conductor: Sarah Hicks
Boy Soprano: Ethan Ibsen

September 28, 2025 2pm Performance

The Seattle Symphony under conductor Sarah Hicks performed several of the Danny Elfman iconic scores from the films of Tim Burton (up to 2012). The show also featured Ethan Ibsen (boy soprano) as well as the Seattle Choral Company.


Many in attendance were either in Tim Burton-esque color schemes all the way up to actual cosplays that represented his unique imagination and vision.


I found the best pieces to be those that incorporated all that were on stage. The Seattle Choral Company and Ethan Ibsen really added so much more to the overall sound that it was such a treat to watch and listen.


Arguably the best known piece being 1989’s, “Batman” was good but not as great as I had hoped. This was the only piece that seemed to suffer from a lack of cohesion between musical sections. As the montage of music continued (including “Batman Returns”) this resolved itself. But, it was noticeable in the beginning of the main theme.


I was struck by the music selection from “Big Fish” which was beautifully performed and one that I will research very soon on my own.


There was a well deserved encore piece after the standing ovation(s) which wrapped up the overall performance perfectly.


I saw a lot of smiles in the lobby after the show and for those that love Danny Elfman and/or Tim Burton’s work, they were not disappointed.


As I’ve said many times, if you haven’t attended a pops concert such as this one or a film with a live score performed by the Seattle Symphony, it’s absolutely worth your time and money.


Recommended!


Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media

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