The Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra captivated audiences with its spectacular “Jurassic Park” Concert, held on November 1 and 2, 2023, at the Carlson Center. More than 4,000 attendees bought tickets to experience the classic 1993 film accompanied by a live orchestra performing the iconic soundtrack. Executive Director Daniel Ponickly confirmed plans for future events, stating, “There will be a next time. Oh yeah. Absolutely.”
As concert-goers approached the venue, they were greeted by a massive inflatable T. Rex, humorously devouring a full-size pickup truck. Upon entering, they walked through a recreated “Jurassic Park” gate, immersing themselves in an extraordinary atmosphere. The orchestra’s performance of John Williams’ score created a unique experience that was met with a lengthy standing ovation, indicating widespread appreciation among the audience.
Local enthusiasts known as the Fairbanks Dinosaurs added to the event’s charm. Members donned inflatable dinosaur costumes and engaged with attendees, creating a festive environment. They participated in flash mobs throughout the year, promoting community spirit, while also hiding toy dinosaurs for others to find. At the entrance, a lifelike electrified fence contained a pair of dinosaurs, with signs humorously tracking the number of days since the last “Velociraptor incident.”
The concert featured interactive displays as well, including real dinosaur bones presented by experts from the Museum of the North. This initiative sparked curiosity and excitement among young attendees, further enhancing the event’s educational value. “It was so lovely to have so many different people, so many different parts of our community come together,” Ponickly remarked.
The planning for the concert involved considerable effort. The Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra acquired the rights to perform the “Jurassic Park” soundtrack, with a technical director from the music licensing group personally overseeing sound quality. Local sound reinforcement specialist Josh Bennett collaborated with the technical expert to ensure that every note resonated throughout the expansive arena. “Mixing these individual microphones on individual instruments, mixing them with boom mics, capturing larger groups of sound,” Ponickly explained, noting the significant improvements from rehearsal to performance.
The transformation of the venue took 12 days and was a collaborative effort among Alaska Universal Productions, Revel Event Services, and various specialists. According to Jay Paggi-Howe of Alaska Universal Productions, the goal was to transport the audience into the world of “Jurassic Park.” “We just get so excited about bringing that sort of ‘wow’ factor to Fairbanks,” he stated.
As the audience settled into their seats, Ponickly engaged them with questions about their previous experiences with the symphony. The responses revealed a mix of familiarity and novelty, with many expressing surprise at the existence of such a vibrant cultural institution in Fairbanks.
Overall, the “Jurassic Park” Concert was a resounding success, blending entertainment, education, and community engagement into a memorable evening. As plans for future events take shape, the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra has successfully created a lasting impression on both new and returning patrons.