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Airdate: The Curse Of The Gothic Symphony

Prepare for a rare music orchestration so vast it is said to be cursed....

2012-12-24_0211On Sunday night ABC1 screens The Curse Of The Gothic Symphony, a rare music orchestration so vast it is said to be cursed…. and now performed in Brisbane with two orchestras, four brass bands and five choirs.

Watch at your own peril!

Said to be cursed, for over 80 years the immense ‘Gothic Symphony’ has remained unperformed in its entirety. At over two hours long and requiring two orchestras, four brass bands and five full choirs singing 42 parts, this is perhaps not surprising.

Written by obscure British composer Havergal Brian between 1919 and 1927 it has been officially recognised by the Guinness Book of Records (1974) as the largest, longest and most technically difficult symphony ever composed and is widely regarded as the ‘Mt Everest’ of classical music.

Filmed over five years, this documentary follows the journey of a brave and committed group of Brisbane enthusiasts who attempt to break the curse and stage this epic event. Despite constant setbacks and endless drama – they struggle, and struggle on. And what an eclectic bunch they are!

At the core of this odyssey is Gary Thorpe who has been pitching the symphony to practically anyone who would listen for over 28 years. Then there is John Curro the beloved conductor from Queensland Youth Orchestra who likes big works and wanted to have a crack at the curse. Alison Rogers, a local choral master wanted to challenge herself to see if she could do it – despite there not being enough choristers in Brisbane. And then there’s Veronica Fury, the film’s producer who crossed the line and got completely caught up in the struggle.

This is a colourful and quirky story exploring the passion and obsession it takes to stage a world-first event against all odds – it is the ‘extreme sport’ of classical music.

10:15pm Sunday, 30 December ABC1.

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