NZSO Glory in Oscar Win Connection
Staff Reporter

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra was glorying yesterday in its association with the "unexpected Oscar", the best original score won by Canadian composer Howard Shore.

Concertmaster Wilma Smith spoke from her Wellington home of the small but vital part that the orchestra had contributed to The Fellowship of the Ring music, a dramatic rendering to fit the tumultuous goings-on in the Mines of Moria.

"It was very dark, brooding music," Ms Smith said. "It wasn't complicated but very appropriate.

"It was quite short but it took us a couple of days. As (principal first) violinist, sitting right next to the conductor, who was right next to the monitor, I had quite a view . . . the visuals of Moria. It was pretty exciting."

That the conductor had been Shore, internationally known for his orchestral work as well as for providing the music for several Hollywood films made it even more so.

Films he has composed for include Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia, High Fidelity, Dead Ringers and Crash.

"He was very charming to work with, a perfectionist," Ms Smith said. "It's not very often we have the luxury of working on a big-budget project like that.

"We were able to do things again and again and again to the minutest detail." It had been interesting to work with someone at the top of this field, she said.

"He was very laid back, very smooth and calm and unruffled, very nice."

The orchestra had been "very pleased" to have had the opportunity to be involved to the extent it had been, she said.

And it was hoped the film would open doors. "Let's hope so. Let's hope it happens more and more."

How had she enjoyed the film? "I'm a bit embarrassed to say, I haven't seen it yet."