Sydney FOTR report: The Sydney Symphony under Ludwig Wicki's expert baton and accompanied by the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and the Sydney Children's Choir gave a stirring, precise and uplifting performance of the score to Fellowship live to projection this weekend at the always breathtaking Sydney Opera House. I was fortunate enough to attend Saturday night's performance and I have to say that as good as the recordings are there is nothing (repeat nothing) like hearing the music live in such a setting. When I finally ;) got my hands on your book last year, Doug, I was able to listen to the music with new ears again but it was the performances I was already so familiar with. So Saturday night's performance was a very special gift, especially I has never been able to get to a LOTR Symphony. Two things really stood out, the energy that the orchestra put into the performance (that aleatoric music is a real cardiac work out for the strings) and the glory of the choral pieces. The choirs were well prepared, carefully microphoned, and sounded spectacular. The acoustics of the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall are tricky (great venue that has many flaws) and these were managed very well to balance the vocal/ sound effect rack with the live performances of the orchestra, soloists and choirs. What else can I say but bring on TTT in 2012.