The Music of James Bond

The Great British Film Orchestra bring The Music of James Bond to Central Hall on Saturday 18 July, a chamber orchestra tribute to the music of the 007 franchise. They're a chamber orchestra dedicated to the soundtracks that defined the golden age of cinema, and this one focuses on the Bond themes that have run through the series for over six decades.

The music is carried by sweeping strings and bold brass, with vocalists stepping in to take the lead on the songs. The Bond sound has been shaped by a few extraordinary voices over the years, and the show works its way through them: Dame Shirley Bassey, whose versions of Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker set the gold standard; Adele, whose Oscar-winning Skyfall became an instant classic; Sam Smith's haunting Writing's On the Wall; and Billie Eilish's powerful No Time To Die. It's a good way to hear how the sound has shifted from the brassy, big-band era of the early films to the more atmospheric, modern themes.

One thing to keep in mind: this is an independent tribute production. It's not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any of the rights holders of the James Bond franchise, so it's a chamber orchestra's take on the music rather than an official production. The Great British Film Orchestra describes themselves as a chamber orchestra dedicated to the soundtracks that defined the golden age of cinema, and that's exactly what they're doing here—bringing those themes to life on stage.

It runs from 19:30 to 21:10 at Central Hall, Saint Mary Street, Southampton, SO14 1NF. If you're into the Bond soundtracks, it's a chance to hear them played live by a full chamber orchestra.