Foreigner: With the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is a concert film that captures the iconic rock band's performance at the iconic Symphony Hall in Lucerne, Switzerland on May 20th, 2017. The movie is a celebration of Foreigner's 40th anniversary and features the group performing some of their greatest hits, as well as some deep cuts, alongside the 58-piece orchestra and 60-person choir.
The film opens with a dramatic shot of the stunning concert venue before cutting to the band taking the stage to thunderous applause. Founding member Mick Jones leads the way on guitar, joined by vocalist Kelly Hansen, bassist Jeff Pilson, and guitarist Bruce Watson. The orchestra and choir are situated behind the band, providing a majestic backdrop for the performance.
Foreigner wastes no time getting into their hits, starting the show with "Overture," a medley of their classic songs, followed by "Blue Morning, Blue Day," "Cold as Ice," and "Waiting for a Girl Like You." Hansen's powerful vocals shine as he takes on the iconic songs originally sung by Lou Gramm, and the orchestra adds a new dimension to the already epic sound.
The concert features plenty of crowd-pleasers, including "Urgent," "Juke Box Hero," and "Hot Blooded," but the setlist also includes some lesser-known gems like "Say You Will" and "Starrider." Guitarist Bruce Watson gets a chance to show off his chops with a solo rendition of "Spellbinder," backed by the orchestra.
One of the highlights of the concert is the performance of "I Want To Know What Love Is," which features the choir taking center stage alongside Hansen. The song's emotional resonance is heightened by the addition of the soaring vocals, making for a truly unforgettable moment.
Throughout the performance, the band members interact with the audience, taking time to acknowledge the significance of the occasion. Mick Jones even takes a moment to reminisce about the band's early days, when they were struggling to make a name for themselves.
The film's visuals capture the energy and excitement of the performance, with sweeping camera shots of the orchestra, close-ups of the band, and shots of the enthusiastic crowd singing along. The lighting and stage design add to the immersive experience, with lasers, smoke, and pyrotechnics used to great effect.
Foreigner's performance with the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is a testament to the band's enduring legacy and their ability to evolve and adapt with the times. The collaboration between the rock band and the classical musicians creates a unique sound that is both familiar and fresh. The addition of the orchestra and choir elevates the already epic songs to new heights, making for a truly unforgettable concert experience.
In conclusion, Foreigner: With the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is an absolute must-see for fans of the band, as well as anyone who appreciates the power of live performance. The movie captures the energy, emotion, and excitement of the concert, making you feel like you're right there in the audience. With Mick Jones and Kelly Hansen leading the way, Foreigner proves that they can still bring the house down after 40 years in the business.
Foreigner: With the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is a 2021 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes.
