Celebrate Cinematic Splendor and The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Erie Philharmonic presents both Symphonic and Pops concerts for October
BEGINNING SATURDAY, OCT. 10
The Erie Philharmonic presents unmissable concerts in both its Symphonic and Pops series this October. Up first is a symphonic performance titled Cinematic Splendor, which is built around pieces that are "incredibly vivid and colorful, creating pictures in your mind," according to Erie Philharmonic Executive Director Bobby Pape. Music from Khachaturian's Spartacus ballet will open the evening, which "has all the drama, romance, and sweep of an old Hollywood epic." Guest soloist pianist Evren Ozel will then join the performance as he presents Grieg's Piano Concerto, which Pape describes as "instantly recognizable, devilishly virtuosic, and brimming with emotion."
"After intermission, we turn to Smetana's Má vlast, including The Moldau, which musically follows a river from its source through the Czech countryside. It's some of the most cinematic music ever written without a camera rolling, and a pretty spectacular way to start Daniel Meyer's 20th Symphonic Season," Pape explains.
Following this offering, the Erie Philharmonic presents itself in its most approachable way – by playing a live score along with a popular movie. This month, audiences will hear the music of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas in keeping with the spooky season. These concerts offer an avenue to introduce children to the symphony in an entertaining, engaging, and truly impressive way. Pape explains, "These film concerts are tremendously popular, and they're also much more challenging than people might realize!" He continues, "The movie doesn't wait for the orchestra. To stay in sync, Music Director Daniel Meyer's podium is outfitted with a special video monitor showing both the film and a precise visual beat, and the entire orchestra follows him down to the second. It's an impressive feat."
When choosing a film score to perform, the Erie Philharmonic considers both the popularity of the movie and a soundtrack that can stand up to the caliber of talent of the Philharmonic's musicians. "The Nightmare Before Christmas is almost tailor-made for that. Danny Elfman – who, beyond his movie scores, has also written major works for the symphonic stage – created a score for Nightmare that is both musically fulfilling and essential to the personality of the film. It's quirky, dark, fun, theatrical, and incredibly colorful. And, of course, it's perfect for the weekend before Halloween," Pape said.
Whether coming for the Symphonic, the Pops, or both, attendees are sure to be impressed with the level of orchestral talent on display in Erie.
Cinematic Splendor: Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. // Warner Theatre, 811 State St. // $19-$69 // For tickets and info: eriephil.org
The Nightmare Before Christmas: Saturday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. // Warner Theatre, 811 State St. // $19-$69 // For tickets and info: eriephil.org
