San Diego Symphony Summer Pops at Comic-Con

5 MAY 2014

Happy Cinco de Mayo, everyone.  No doubt you're thinking about happy hour tonight, but you might also be thinking about how you'll spend your Comic-Con nights this summer. In which case, you may want to consider the San Diego Symphony.
 
If you're new to Comic-Con, classical music and nerds might sound like an odd pairing. In fact, the San Diego Symphony holds some of the best events of the Con, with multi-media shows that partner music with movies, light shows and other presentations.  Last year they performed the live soundtrack to Final Fantasy and it was rather magical. This year, as part of their 2014 Summer Pops Comic-Con Weekend Concerts, they are rolling out three major events - an entire weekend of shows right behind the convention center.

Video Games Live

Thursday, 24 July at 8:00 pm

Just like the title suggests, this is a night of popular video game themes given the symphonic treatment, with synchronized lighting and real on-stage gaming. This was once a highly popular show that hasn't been available for the last five years, so expect tickets to sell quickly. Jack Wall is the conductor, with the SACRA/PROFANA chorus as special guests.



Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton

Friday, 25 July at 8:00 pm
 

Regardless of how you feel about Tim Burton's recent oeuvre, Danny Elfman has created some beautiful scores for him - and this show brings these to life through both the orchestra and a big screen of Tim Burton's original film sketches, drawings and story boards. You'll hear music from Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Batman, Big Fish, Corpse Bride and other movies, all conducted by John Mauceri, founding director of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. (Be aware that neither Danny Elfman or Tim Burton will appear.) This is a brand new event.


Star Trek (2009): The Movie
Saturday, 26 July at 8:00 pm

This is going to be popular. Star Trek (the 2009 JJ Abrams one) will be shown on a wide screen while the San Diego Symphony performs the soundtrack live. The conductor is David Newman (Serenity composer). There will also be a post-screening Meet and Greet in the VIP Area with Star Trek composer Michael Giacchino.
 

I hate to urge even more people to flock to the convention center area during the Con - but I'd be remiss if I didn't point out these events are open to everyone. So if you're in San Diego and got shut out of the badge sale, this is one way you can still participate in the Con.

All Comic-Con Weekend Concerts are located at Embarcadero Marina Park South, behind the San Diego Convention Center. You can get your tickets at the above links.