Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will present the Australian premiere of Edward Scissorhands in Concert Live to Film at Hamer Hall across two nights on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October, bringing Tim Burton’s cult classic to life with a full live score.
The special event pairs a screening of the 1990 film with a live performance of Danny Elfman’s celebrated soundtrack, performed by the MSO under the direction of conductor Nicholas Buc. Known for its emotional depth and otherworldly tone, the score will be played in sync with the film, offering a new way to experience one of Burton’s most distinctive works.
Directed by Burton, whose films include Beetlejuice and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands tells the story of Edward, played by Johnny Depp, an unfinished artificial man with scissors for hands. Left alone after the death of his creator, portrayed by Vincent Price in his final role, Edward is taken in by a suburban family and introduced to a pastel-toned community that is both fascinated and unsettled by him.
As Edward tries to find his place, the film explores themes of belonging, difference and acceptance. His quiet romance with Kim, played by Winona Ryder, sits at the emotional core of the story, unfolding against a backdrop of growing suspicion from neighbours who once welcomed him.
Elfman’s score is central to the film’s identity, blending haunting melodies with moments of warmth and wonder. It marked one of the early collaborations between Elfman and Burton, a creative partnership that has since become one of the most recognisable in modern cinema.
Presented by the MSO and licensed by Disney Concerts, the performance invites audiences to revisit the film in a concert setting that highlights both its visual style and musical power.
More information here.
