Working with Maestro Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Daniel Flannery created and directed Symphantasy, a pioneering series of visual symphonies presented at Riverbend Music Center. Combining orchestral music with scenic storytelling, theatrical lighting, lasers, fireworks, special effects, dancers, Olympic athletes and popular performers, the productions expanded the traditional Pops concert into a large-scale theatrical experience. Contemporary coverage called the 1988 production “a spectacular Symphantasy concert” staged by “Hollywood special effects wizard Daniel Flannery.” The concept subsequently became a continuing Riverbend series and was adapted as a television special described as a “visual extravaganza” created to introduce young audiences to orchestral music.
