Avatar: The Last Airbender Live in Concert – The Epic Orchestral Journey Returns To The UK
Share the Force:
Phil Roberts 
The sensational Avatar: The Last Airbender Live in Concert is returning to London’s Southbank Centre in February. Read our review here.
After a spectacular opening night at London’s Royal Festival Hall, AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER Live in Concert is heading back to the UK. We were fortunate enough to attend the opening night, and the performance was absolutely amazing. And now, more fans will get the chance to experience it for themselves when the show returns for one night only on February 10.
The performance was breathtaking and whisked a packed auditorium away on a whimsical journey into the world of Aang and his mastery of the elements. More than just a collection of random tracks, the show allowed us to experience the magic of the beloved animated series like never before. And more importantly, it connected us with the adventures in a whole new way. After all, it is one thing to watch a show – but it’s another to feel a show. To feel the emotion as the characters rise and fall. To experience the heartbreak and euphoria in equal quantities. And all thanks to a sensational live orchestra, an immensely talented choir, and a conductor who knows the material through and through. And on the stage at the Southbank Centre, the show came to life and connected with its fans on a deeper level than we ever thought possible.
LIVE ORCHESTRA
Get ready for an unparalleled musical odyssey as Nickelodeon and GEA Live proudly present: Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert. Immerse yourself in an over two-hour show with a live orchestra bringing the show’s iconic musical score to life, in perfect harmony with highlights and favorite moments from the series. Taiko and erhu will share the spotlight with violins and clarinets, while the series’ most beloved scenes play out on screen, bringing viewers into the Avatar world to experience the series’ most memorable moments with Aang, Katara, Toph, Sokka, Zuko and more.
The creative mastermind behind the show’s original music, Emmy Award-winning composer and musician Jeremy Zuckerman, has poured his heart and exceptional talent into expanding his compositions for the concert series. Through creative collaboration with Jeff Adams (the show’s original editor), this spectacular production not only magnifies the epic scope and high drama of the series, but also marks a thrilling first – the chance to experience the captivating world of Avatar: The Last Airbender through this live orchestra concert.
JEREMY ZUCKERMAN
“From epic action scenes to heartfelt emotional moments, Jeremy’s score was an integral part of Avatar’s storytelling,” said Michael Dante DiMartino, co-creator, Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra and co-Chief Creative Officer, Avatar Studios. “To hear his music live with an orchestra will be a truly special experience.”
Bryan Konietzko, co-creator, Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra and co-Chief Creative Officer, Avatar Studios, added, “Jeremy’s music is one of the most crucial ingredients in Avatar, providing the emotional backbone to the characters’ arcs and capturing the spirit of Aang’s world. We are so excited to celebrate his beautiful and exciting compositions with fans and relive all the iconic moments together through these live performances.”
REVIEW
The soundtrack itself is packed to the brim with stunning soundscapes. From its usage of violins, powerful drum beats, and traditional Asian instruments, the score takes us on a whirlwind cultural journey. As the images unfold on the screen the soundtrack begins to intensify. As does the incredible usage of stage lighting that has been intricately designed to match the tone of the material.
When the sun dips below the horizon, the stage illuminates with warm tones, complementing the soft, peaceful rhythm of the music. The lighting has been intentionally managed and designed for the show, resulting in a noticeable difference. With an obvious American animation style, the show’s soundtrack draws on Asian heritage to create a breathtaking result. The fusion of traditional Asian and contemporary instruments brings to mind the works of Jerry Goldsmith. And one can only applaud Jeremy Zuckerman for his craftsmanship. No effort has been spared to bring this production to a wider audience, and the production team deserves all the recognition that will come their way.
The storylines presented on the screen have been edited and divided into book chapters, making it easier for the audience to keep track of the narrative. These chapter breaks are marked by a sudden fade to black, after which the title of the next chapter appears on the screen. There, the conductor takes control again and guides us on another journey, each presented as beautifully as the last. Until the first half reached its crescendo and left us all gasping for air.
ORCHESTRAL BRILLIANCE
During intermission, everyone in attendance appreciated the crisp animation style, vibrant palette, and cultural relevance of the first half. And as the conductor appeared to start the final chapters, the brilliance of his work came to the forefront. Watching him conduct was captivating. His energy and love for the music were palpable. And he led the ensemble of musicians through each chapter with an expert hand. Aside from their instruments, the musicians frequently used clapping to enhance the action sequences shown on the screen, which is a true testament to the effort put into creating this experience for the masses.
I was amazed by the range of talented vocalists, some of whom held notes beyond what I considered possible. Watching them prepare to hit those notes was an experience in itself. As was watching the orchestra use every resource at their disposal to bring the score to life. One cannot summarize this experience in a single review, this is an adventure that needs to be experienced. To allow yourself to be whisked away on a musical journey into another world. One that we have only just scratched the surface of.
AN AIR-BENDING EXPERIENCE
Despite its almost three-hour running time, I feel a strong desire to experience the performance again. I want to immerse myself in its brilliance and bask in the glow of Aang’s world. I want to delve deeper into his Asian heritage and the melodious tones of its many instruments. Perhaps it was Jeremy Zuckerman’s closing remarks that captivated me. His explanation of his inspiration behind the music was beguiling and revealed his true love of the series. And it left the auditorium wanting more. Perhaps his score transported me to Aang’s world and ensnared my desire to learn more. If that was the goal of the performance, it certainly worked for me. I’ll be binge-watching the animated series again this weekend in the faint hope it does the score justice and takes me back to that world.
In the plus column, the show isn’t just aimed at hardcore fans of the series. New fans are in for the indoctrination of a lifetime thanks to the score taking us back to the very beginning. The images on the screens introduce us to Aang’s world and the artistry of “Airbending” and deliver all the insight we could need as we are serenaded by Zuckerman’s blissful soundtrack. The outcome is an ideal way for new enthusiasts to discover and cherish the world of Avatar. It is a world filled with magic, chaos, passion, and sorrow, and it provides an avenue for pure escapism. This alone makes it worth the price of admission.
NEW DATES
Thankfully, it isn’t just the UK that can look forward to experiencing this show for themselves. Following sold-out dates in London, New York, and San Francisco, the concert series is expanding to a 100-city world tour. First up, the show is returning to London’s Royal Festival Hall on February 10th. Then the show goes global. Per Variety, the show will travel across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific allowing fans from across the world to experience it for themselves.
Beginning in September, the music of the hit Nickelodeon series will travel to cities across North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific. The over two-hour concert, produced by GEA Live, brings “Avatar: The Last Airbender’s” iconic musical score to life with an orchestra as fan-favorite moments from the series are shown on screen. Dates and tour details will be announced this spring.
“Avatar: The Last Airbender” composer Jeremy Zuckerman has teamed up with show co-creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko as well as original editor Jeff Adams to expand “Avatar’s” compositions for the world tour.
BOOKING
At the time of publication, fans are only able to book for the newly added London date. The Southbank Centre has already opened pre-sale for the venue which you can book here. The worldwide tour doesn’t get underway until much later in the year. Therefore expect dates to be announced during the spring. Keep updated via the official website here.
Until then, get ready to bask in the glorious soundscape of Jeremy Zuckerman’s masterwork. There, you’ll be whisked away to a land where magic and mystery walk hand in hand. Where magical creatures fly and Asian culture comes to beautiful and vibrant life. Where escapism immerses you in a sea of tranquility. And the visual imagery catapults you into the fight of a lifetime. And that is where the real magic awaits us.
If you’ve only ever seen Avatar: The Last Airbender on the small screen, then you’ve never seen it at all.
A world of beauty awaits you…all you need is a ticket.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
