The Planets - Symphonic Spectacular

...along the lines of Disney's "Fantasia", but using live orchestra, specially created animated and filmed sequences plus lighting effects...

Conceptualized, created and produced by Bernhard Gueller, John Walton & René Hermans

John and Bernhard's desire to challenge convention and broaden the appeal of classical music sparked off the idea of an orchestral audiovisual spectacular. And it was with this intention that John and Bernhard approached René Hermans and Penny Searle of Catapult Advertising Studios to conceptualize the visual material in April 2000. A pilot episode was produced, and after financing was secured, the full production went ahead. Many hours were spent conceptualizing the visual effects and painstakingly story boarding the musical sequences before the filming and 3D animation commenced. With very little time before the first performance and a lot of goodwill and enthusiasm from all involved, Holst's "The Planets" was completed... the essence of each movement captured in sight and sound.

Bernhard Gueller began his career as a cellist in the RSO Stuttgart, having graduated from the city's Hochschule für Musik, where he attended master classes with Melos Antonio Janigro, courses with Paul Tortelier and chamber music classes with the Melos Quartet. After winning the conductor's competition run by United German Radios in 1979, Gueller divided his time between performing and conducting. Gueller, who has assisted conductors such as Sir Georg Solti, Georges Prêtre and Sinopoli, works frequently with various orchestras such as the RSO Stuttgart and the Stuttgart Philharmonic.  Music director of Symphony Nova Scotia in Halifax, Canada, and music director designate of the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra in Germany, Bernhard Gueller has established himself as an exciting and passionate interpreter in countries around the world, acknowledged by critics and by Ernest Fleischmann, the world's foremost arts administrator:

"I have observed Mr. Gueller in rehearsal in Cape Town, South Africa, as well as in rehearsal and concert in Sapporo, Japan. Both times I was deeply impressed by his extraordinary musicianship, his marvellous ability to communicate with the musicians, and, in the Sapporo concert, his charismatic impact on the audience. In Sapporo, members of the orchestra and management were exuberantly enthusiastic about him, and told me that the orchestra had never played better... It is not often that I feel totally confident about the abilities of an unknown conductor, but it is because I believe in Mr. Gueller's special gifts that I write to you today."

John Walton studied at the University of Cape Town's College of Music, majoring in recorder, and then went on to spend five years with the SA Navy Band as principal flute and piccolo player. He later returned to his alma mater to teach, whilst still performing, specifically as a member of the band, "Razzmatazz". In 1999 he was instrumental in presenting the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and soloists at the Velodrome in the spectacular "KFM Symphonic Pops" concerts.  John is currently writing orchestral music (ongoing) for the Johannesburg Music Initiative and teaching at the South African College High School.

Contact Bernhard, John and René to find out how you can work with us to produce this "Symphonic Spectacular" locally with your orchestra

A bit about Gustav Holst and his orchestral suite: "The Planets":

Holst, Gustav Theodore (1874-1934) was a British composer of partly Swedish descent. In 1893, Holst entered the Royal College of Music in London to study composition with Stanford. Once his studies were complete, he performed with various orchestras as a trombone player.  In 1905 he was appointed music master at St Paul's Girls' School in London. Two years later he was named director of music at Morley College for working men and women, and then in 1919 was appointed as a teacher at the Royal College of Music.  Holst is best known for his orchestral suite: "The Planets" (1915). His varied output of work showed many different influences, including Hindu mysticism, English folk music and astrology. Other compositions include Savitri (1908), The Perfect Fool (1923), At the Boar's Head (1925), St Paul's Suite (1913), Egdon Heath (1928), Ode to Death (1922) and a Choral Symphony (1925).

"The Planets" is arranged in seven movements, each relating to a planet, and categorized according to Greek and Roman Mythology. The first Movement, entitled "Mars - The Bringer of War" reflects on the violence and devastation of conflict. We travel through time, revisiting the physical and psychological effects of territorial disputes, ideological differences and the impact of weapons of mass destruction. Diametrically opposed to Mars, is "Venus - The Bringer of Peace". This tranquil, marbly blue planet personifies all that is positive in our universe, creation and rebirth in the natural world. "Mercury - The Winged Messenger" delivers all forms of communication, and then flies off, leaving the tale to unfold. "Saturn - The Bringer of Old Age" confronts the inevitability of death and accountability, reflecting on mans' fears and faiths. "Uranus - The Magician" moves us away from reality, leaving us gazing up at the sky in awe and wonderment. "Jupiter - The Bringer of Jollity" is the traditional spirit of happiness and mirth, capturing the excitement and merriment of festivals and performance. Finally, we must locate "Neptune - The Mystic" who governs the world beneath the sea. By our knowledge of astronomy today, the list is incomplete, but in 1915, the existence of the planet, Pluto was yet to be discovered.

This work received its Canadian premiere at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium on Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30, 2004.

Here's what the press had to say:

• Have a look at a streaming video clip (WMV) produced for the SABC's "Top Billing" programme about this exciting project (2,060 KB)

• or look at a few pictures of John's trip to Canada in October 2004