Greenville families have a new reason to gather at the Peace Center this November. On Nov. 7 the Greenville Symphony Orchestra will present a live‑to‑picture concert of DreamWorks’ beloved 2010 animated feature How to Train Your Dragon, pairing the full film with a performance of composer John Powell’s sweeping score.
Local conductor brings film‑concert expertise
Guest conductor Conner Gray Covington, who has led nearly 25 different movies in concert, will guide the orchestra as the story of young Viking Hiccup and his dragon Toothless unfolds on the big screen. Covington says the format offers a “completely different experience than watching it at home or even in the theater,” because audiences hear the music not through cinema speakers but from a full brass section, six French horns, extensive percussion and dozens of other musicians playing in real time.
Why a film concert matters for the community
While the movie is marketed toward younger viewers, Covington believes the blend of storytelling and live music provides an “inviting introduction to the symphony for younger listeners” and offers adults a chance to rediscover Powell’s memorable melodies. The event aligns with the Greenville Symphony’s ongoing effort to make classical music accessible to all ages, reinforcing family‑friendly cultural programming in the city.
Technical challenges and the skill required
Performing a film score live is no small feat. Unlike a traditional concert, the orchestra must stay precisely synchronized with the on‑screen action. Covington notes that mastering this skill took “eight or nine years” of practice, and that musicians must maintain “sustained concentration” throughout the continuous orchestral accompaniment.
Event details
What: Live‑to‑picture concert of How to Train Your Dragon with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra
When: Nov. 7, two performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Peace Center Concert Hall, 300 S. Main St., Greenville
Tickets: $42.90 – $114.40
Info: 864‑467‑3000 or peacecenter.org
Local residents are encouraged to bring friends and family for an afternoon or evening that blends cinematic adventure with the power of a live orchestra, reinforcing Greenville’s reputation as a hub for vibrant arts and cultural experiences.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
