Introduction

A warm welcome to Symphony Hall as we celebrate the music of an iconic franchise. For me, a James Bond theme instantly transports you to a world of glamour and danger.

The first hint of that iconic trumpet sound and the drama begins, and every musical phrase feels as thrilling as a plot twist from the film it accompanies.

As a singer, this repertoire is the one I look forward to performing more than any other – and I do have my favourites.

Two themes in particular: Skyfall and Nobody Does It Better. Skyfall has an incredible sense of scale. It starts simply, just voice and piano, then simmers like a fuse being lit until the full orchestra kicks in and the climax hits. I love it.

Originally written for The Spy Who Loved Me, Nobody Does It Better is one of the rare Bond themes that feels more like a love song. It doesn’t lean heavily into menace or espionage – it’s warm, elegant, and completely sincere. And I always get to sing it for someone special… but I won’t give that one away!

I don’t get to sing Live and Let Die, but when I hear Matt Ford perform it, I’m instantly transported back to watching the film at the cinema in 1973.

I was absolutely petrified of Jaws. I was a young girl, but I can still remember the sheer thrill of it… along with that lingering childhood fear.

With every new release, I’m fascinated by how the Bond sound evolves while still carrying that unmistakable musical DNA.

Tonight’s programme celebrates the songs that have defined 007 across the decades. I’m especially delighted to be sharing the stage with Matt Ford and Stephen Bell. May our combined love of this music take you on a journey through Bond’s world — bold, dramatic, and utterly unforgettable.

Alison Jiear
Vocalist

James Bond Fun Facts

1. Roger Moore holds the record for the most official Bond films – he’s featured in 7 in total.
2. Paul McCartney’s Live and Let Die was the first Bond theme nominated for an Academy Award.
3. Ian Fleming, the author of the Bond series, joined the British Naval Intelligence Division during the Second World War. It is said that his experiences in the Royal Navy inspired the character of James Bond.
4. The iconic gun barrel opening scene actually features the silhouette of stuntman Bob Simmons and not the original actor who played Bond, Sean Connery.
5. Known best for his children’s stories, Roald Dahl wrote the screenplay for ‘You Only Live Twice’ (1967). As an RAF pilot during the Second World War, Dahl used his own wartime experience to adapt the story.
6. The Bond films hold many Guinness World Records including: the most high-explosives detonated in a single film take (Not Time To Die), the largest film stunt explosion (Spectre), and the most cannon rolls in a car (Casino Royale).
7. The Skyfall theme sung by Adele was the first Bond song to win an Oscar.
8. Skyfall, starring Daniel Craig, was the first Bond film to cross $1 billion at the global box office.