What EPCOT’s ‘Luminous: The Symphony of Us’ show is all
EPCOT is gearing up for the Dec. 5 launch of its latest nighttime extravaganza, “Luminous: The Symphony of Us.” The show promises to be an enthralling union of fireworks, fountains, lights, and music designed to celebrate our shared humanity.
“At the center of it it all, like many of the nighttime spectaculars is the music. The show is “a lot about what EPCOT is about, and a lot of it’s done through music. We’ve been in London, we’ve been in Scotland, we’ve been in Nashville, in Orlando, and really bringing all those voices together in a fun, fun way,” Steven Davison, Executive Create Director, Disney Live Entertainment said.
These movements the music underscore the idea that, beneath our differences, we are fundamentally similar. Enhancing these musical interludes are two original songs penned exclusively for this spectacle, alongside fresh arrangements of beloved Disney classics, according to Disney.
The show, according to Disney, will go as follows:
The show commences with World Showcase coming alive, where voices from each pavilion extend a warm welcome to the audience. The performance kicks off with the original song “Heartbeat Symphony.” It’s a sweeping ballad that instantly evokes the essence of an EPCOT nighttime spectacular.
The symphony proceeds to explore the tender love of parenthood, celebrating the shared experiences of childhood that mark the beginning of life’s journey. An emotionally charged, multilingual rendition of “You’ll Be in My Heart” strikes a universal chord in this segment. Subsequently, the symphony transitions to “Proud Corazón,” dedicated to the bonds of family. The theme of friendship follows, featuring classic songs like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “Friend Like Me,” evoking memories of recess and friendship bracelets.
Set to an expansive arrangement of “So Close,” a cherished hidden gem from Disney’s “Enchanted,” the romance movement honors the moments when our individual melodies merge with another’s. Life, however, inevitably encompasses moments of solitude and loss. But as “When She Loved Me” and “Remember Me” lead us “Into the Unknown,” the echoes of those around us reassure us that we are never truly alone.
Emerging from the shadows, the music surges into “I See the Light” from “Tangled,” propelling us into the grand finale and the performance’s second original song, “Beating of our Hearts.” It is in this climax that we all unite, finding our place in the great symphony of life.
The pivotal role of music in narrating this story is paramount. That is why Disney Live Entertainment is thrilled to collaborate with Pinar Toprak once again for the spectacular’s remarkable score. Pinar, known for her work on film soundtracks and her EPCOT anthem at night by Spaceship Earth, brings her expertise to this production. The vocal talents of singer/songwriter Sheléa and the versatile Katharine McPhee are also featured in the score.
