Symphony orchestras have long graced the world with beautiful renditions of classical music. However, in the modern era, they face the challenge of attracting younger and more diverse audiences. Playing movie scores and soundtracks has emerged as an effective strategy to broaden their appeal.
Movie soundtracks resonate with audiences because they are often associated with powerful visual and emotional moments. When an orchestra performs pieces from beloved films, they tap into a reservoir of memories and emotions. For instance, John Williams' compositions for Star Wars or Howard Shore's work for The Lord of the Rings have become cultural touchstones known by millions. Hearing them live, performed by a full symphony orchestra, amplifies their power and evokes the magic of the films.
Moreover, these concerts serve as an entry point for those less familiar with the world of orchestral music. A fan of a particular movie might be more inclined to attend an orchestral performance if they know they'll hear their favorite soundtrack. Once there, they get introduced to the acoustics, atmosphere, and experience of a live orchestra – possibly fostering a new appreciation for classical music.
Geoff Anderson, Vice President of Marketing for the New Jersey Symphony, said: "It brings in a very diverse audience that may not come to our traditional classical music concerts. Having recent films shown on a large screen with a full audience and a full orchestra is a very special experience. The 'secret sauce' for these concerts can be seen by just looking at the audience. There are people who remember these movies from when they came out, and now they're introducing them to their kids. It makes quite an impression and taps into a reservoir of many memories and emotions for audiences. You think back to when you originally saw that movie; you know, maybe it was with your family; maybe it was with a significant other. It certainly brings back memories.
"I think one important point for these movie concerts is whether you're watching in a movie theater or at home, you're hearing a digital reproduction. But when you come to a symphony orchestra movie concert, and you hear a live orchestra playing the score, you're hearing all the little nuances that may not have been picked up by that digital process. You end up hearing a lot more of the score than ever before.
"This is the new entry into classical music for a lot of people. They may not even realize that they're enjoying classical music while watching the movie, but they are, and that helps get them to the next step of 'Let's listen to some famous composers like Beethoven or Rachmaninoff.' For Jurassic Park, we are inviting the audience to wear their favorite dinosaur or Halloween costume. I think that, you know, it just adds an overall element of fun to that experience and even patrons who didn't choose to dress up love coming and seeing everyone. It's a wonderful, super-fun experience!"
Conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos has a long history with the New Jersey Symphony. "I've known a lot of these musicians for such a long time," he said. "I made my conducting debut with some of them. This year, not only am I doing ‘Jurassic Park,’ but I'll be conducting ‘The Nutcracker’ performances. We know each other so well. It's such a nice vibe when we work together! It's a comfort thing; there's a certain level of comfort with these folks. That makes working with a professional orchestra extra special in the sense that you can just 'work the music,' so to speak.
"The cool thing about a film with a live orchestra is that it's an experience for everybody in the family. People say, 'Wow, it's the first time I've ever heard a live orchestra! I think I'll come back!' If you know what it's like hearing a live orchestra, you know it's 75 or 85 musicians on stage making these glorious sounds that wash over you. It is unlike any other experience, and it's a great way of introducing children to the sound of an orchestra.
"In the case of Jurassic Park, it's a wonderful score from John Williams. He's just one of these people that you can imagine that when he was growing up, he must have been curious about a lot of different things. He can write in any style, and yet it's still clearly identifiable as John Williams music."
Performing music that must remain in close sync with the action on screen may seem somewhat limiting. I asked Kitsopoulos how he and the orchestra found the creative spark in the context of a movie soundtrack.
"The challenge of working within those parameters is to make the phrases sing. To shape the phrases and to shape the balance of the orchestra within the context of a fixed tempo. People ask me, 'Isn't it unmusical to play with the click track?' But it's really a collaboration; it's not just me. Together, we can shape the phrases, dynamics, and orchestral balance within a fixed period of time. It's a good challenge! When you work with an orchestra at the level of New Jersey Symphony, the musicianship is at a very high level. We're all in it to make it happen together. And when you have a John Williams score, it's so well written--not to say that it's easy --there are passages that are fiercely difficult for the best musicians--but it's always so playable. He never writes anything that goes outside of what an instrument is capable of. So yeah, it all comes together."
By performing movie soundtracks, symphony orchestras bridge the gap between popular culture and classical tradition, inviting new listeners into the concert hall and ensuring their art remains relevant and vibrant. Experience Jurassic Park as never before with the New Jersey Symphony orchestra performing John Williams' iconic score live to picture. The Symphony invites all fans to attend in their favorite dinosaur or Halloween costume.
Upcoming Performances:
* Wed, Oct 25, 7:30 pm Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown
* Fri, Oct 27, 8:00 pm Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank
* Sat, Oct 28, 8:00 pm New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark
* Sun, Oct 29, 3:00 pm State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick
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