Batman is returning to Sydney, but this time, it’s not just a film screening—it’s an immersive symphonic event. Batman in Concert is set to bring Tim Burton’s iconic 1989 blockbuster back to the big screen on January 10th at the ICC Sydney Theatre, accompanied by a live performance of Danny Elfman’s Grammy-nominated score by the Metropolitan Orchestra.
The one-night-only event celebrates not just the film’s 35th anniversary, but also 85 years of Batman himself. For Sarah-Grace Williams, the acclaimed conductor leading the orchestra, it’s an exhilarating experience.
“One of the things I love most about conducting live film concerts is the connection with the audience,” she explains. “Our audiences are always full of die-hard fans of the film, and the energy this brings to the performance space is amazing. Now, couple that with the fact that this particular film, Batman, has become a bit of a cult classic, and all this goes to another level.”
Released in 1989, Batman was nothing short of a cultural juggernaut. It not only redefined the superhero genre with its gothic aesthetic and darker tone but also dominated the box office as the highest-grossing film of the year. Featuring Michael Keaton as the brooding Bruce Wayne and Jack Nicholson in his iconic, sinister turn as the Joker, the film forever changed how the world viewed Batman. Its success kickstarted the modern superhero blockbuster era, paving the way for everything from Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy to today’s sprawling DC Universe.
For many fans, Danny Elfman’s score is the heartbeat of the film.
From its hauntingly gothic Batman Theme to its sweeping orchestral arrangements, Elfman’s music is as integral to Gotham as the Bat-Signal itself. Williams, a longtime admirer of Elfman’s work, says conducting this score is a particular thrill.
“I am a massive fan of Danny Elfman’s compositional style. I love the colours he creates and the way he uses the tapestry of the orchestra. His scores heighten the incredible visual creation of Tim Burton in the most perfect way,” Sarah-Grace shares.
Williams explains that Batman stands apart from many other live-to-film concerts she’s conducted because the orchestra is so central to the experience. “Many live-to-film concerts I conduct have a lot of ‘down-time,’ where the orchestra isn’t playing, but that is far from the case with Batman. The orchestra is almost playing through the entire movie, which I love. Every minute of the film is exciting for me and the orchestra with this one.”
But bringing Gotham to life with a live symphony orchestra isn’t as simple as it might seem. “In the couple of months leading up to any event, I spend a lot of time with my head in the scores, preparing it for the first rehearsal,” Williams says.
“During the performance, I have a special monitor in front of me with timecode, bar/beat counts, cue numbers, plus punches and streamers. These are markings that allow me to see exactly where I need to have the music land, so the live music performance and film perfectly align.”
What makes this event even more special is the nostalgia surrounding Batman and its enduring cultural legacy. “This movie helped usher a new era of superhero movies, with Tim Burton’s gothic aesthetic and a unique take on the classic Batman story,” Williams says. “It had a huge cultural impact on its release, one of the most influential movies of the 1980s. The score is stellar and iconic. Jack Nicholson and Michael Keaton have become as equally iconic in their portrayal of Batman and Joker.”
The night will also offer moments of pure magic for the audience, starting with Elfman’s unforgettable opening theme. “I always love conducting the very opening of film concerts, when the screen changes from black and the first image pops up,” Williams reveals. “The opening of Batman sees the Warner Bros. logo appear, and then we are straight into Danny Elfman’s iconic opening Batman Theme. The downbeat to bar one is my favourite for sure.”
Fans attending Batman in Concert are encouraged to embrace the spirit of Gotham by dressing up as their favourite DC Super Hero or Super-Villain. Tickets for Batman in Concert are on sale now through Ticketek.