INTERVIEW: Maestro Bob Bernhardt celebrates sci-fi music in NJ

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra is set to celebrate the unique music of science-fiction movies and TV shows this weekend. They will perform iconic scores from Star Trek, Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and other memorable films, and the man at the center of the Sci-Fi Spectacular will be conductor Bob Bernhardt, music director emeritus and principal pops conductor for the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera.

Audience members can expect Bernhardt to lead a rousing medley of popular compositions, highlighting the work of John Williams, Bernard Hermann and others. Marina Sirtis, best known as Counselor Deanna Troi on Star Trek: The Next Generation, will host the shows, which will play Saturday, Jan. 6 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey, and Sunday, Jan. 7 at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Bernhardt wears many hats as a conductor. He serves as principal pops conductor for the Louisville Orchestra and Grand Rapids Symphony. He is also an artist-in-residence at Lee University.

Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Bernhardt about the NJSO performances. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.

What can audience members expect at the NJSO concerts this weekend?

A Sci-Fi Spectacular is a fast-paced delight for science fiction movie buffs, and especially, (myself absolutely included), those who adore the genius of John Williams’ and his contributions to the genre. It’s a wonderful concerts for ‘kids’ from 8 to 88, filled with famous melodies and brilliant orchestrations that will take the listener back into the movie theater on the day they first heard them!

As a conductor and musician, how would you describe John Williams’ music? Is it challenging?

For most of us, conductors and orchestra players alike, John Williams’ music is challenging, satisfying, involving and amazing. Further, now in his fifth decade of writing for the big screen, the constancy of his excellence and his continuing connection with audiences of all ages is direct and continuing. When it comes down to it, what composer has written an enormous body of work that for the most part is beloved by children, parents and grandparents alike?

If I may, (in full disclosure, John is a hero of mine if you hadn’t noticed already), I’d like to mention a fundamental decision that John made some 30 years ago that has enormous impact on the world of the symphony today. He decided to publish the John Williams Signature Edition scores and parts of his music, and he has made them available for purchase (not rental) to all orchestras. What this means, and this is very important, is that when we play his music from Star Wars or Close Encounters or The Force Awakens, we are playing HIS notes on the page, and not some arranger’s idea of how his music should go. What you hear is almost entirely directly ‘off the screen,’ original and of the highest quality. This give us the chance to present to our audiences the ‘real thing,’ and it makes a difference.

Are film scores and theme songs embraced by the classical musical world, or are they frowned upon when compared to repertory?

Film music was often denigrated in the past as not up to the standard of classical compositions, with that ‘Hollywood Sound’ which caused many classicists to turn up their noses. Today, I think it’s not exaggeration to say that most, perhaps all orchestras in the world, play film scores to adoring audiences. Dozens and dozens play film scores ‘live’ while the films are projected above them and concerts devoted to film in general, and specific giants of the film composing are honored all the time. In many ways, the music from film is, indeed, the music of our time.

What’s a highlight that you’re most looking forward to playing?

While I enjoy each work on this program, I’m really looking foward to conducting Bernard Hermann’s masterful music from The Day The Earth Stood Still for the first time. This music is quintessentially sci-fi and involves our soprano soloist, Kristin Plumley; our narrator, Marina Sirtis (Counselor Troi from Star Trek: The Next Generation); and an instrument called the theramin. The sound of the theramin is unique and will be immediately recognized by any sci-fi buff. This should be lots of fun!

What can fans of your work expect in 2018 beyond the NJSO concerts?

I have a lucky and happy musical life these days, as principal pops conductor of three orchestras (Grand Rapids, Louisville and Chattanooga) as well as a standing relationship with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in Alberta, Canada. When I’m still luckier, I guest conduct fine orchestras like the New Jersey Symphony, and I’m especially delighted to be making my debut with the NJSO this weekend.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

Sci-Spectacular will play Saturday, Jan. 6 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and Sunday, Jan. 7 at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Click here for more information and tickets.