A Magical Evening of Disney Melodies at The Soraya with the New West Symphony Orchestra

The enchanting world of Disney came to life at The Soraya on the evening of November 18th, with the Disney 100's "Sound of Magic" concert captivating an audience from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Great Hall. Under the baton of conductor Richard Kaufman, a proud CSUN alumnus, the New West Symphony Orchestra delighted attendees with iconic Disney musical classics.

Disney's Musical Legacy Celebrated

Embracing Disney's century-long legacy, the concert's theme explored an array of emotions through nostalgia, love, disappointment, treachery, loss, and new beginnings. Patrons of the arts, some donning Disney ears and others dressed as beloved characters, filled the hall, eager for a night of timeless melodies.

The opening segment began with the recognizable Disney introduction theme, accompanied by movie montages on a large screen, choreographed with color-changing lights to enhance the immersive experience. The presence of legendary Walt Disney on the screen, followed by classic anthems such as "Be Our Guest" from "Beauty and the Beast," set the tone for a memorable performance. Featured songs from across Disney's vast repertoire included hits from "Encanto," "Little Mermaid," "Lady and the Tramp," and more.

Guest Appearances and Emotive Performances

Special guest Anika Rose, the voice behind Princess Tiana in "Princess and the Frog," captivated the audience by sharing her personal connection to her role. After a trip down the rabbit hole with "Alice in Wonderland" and a blend of Disney's romantic duets like "I See the Light" and "A Whole New World," patrons relished a brief intermission, buzzing with praises for the performance.

The second half of the concert took a deeper dive into Disney's storytelling, highlighting innocence with "Peter Pan" and "Bambi," while also showcasing notorious villains such as The Voodoo Man, Jafar, and Ursula. Themes of exclusion and self-discovery followed, provoking visible emotional responses from the deeply engaged attendees, some moved to tears.

Gaby Moreno, a two-time GRAMMY nominee, performed her unique rendition of "When You Wish Upon a Star," leading to a standing ovation. As the night concluded, the palpable sentiment was clear: dreams, as Disney reminds us, can indeed come true.

The concert was not just a performance but an emotional voyage through Disney's cinematic history, leaving a lasting impression and a heartwarming sense of nostalgia for all who attended.

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