By Christine A. Raskind
The Beaufort Symphony Orchestra presents “Hollywood Extravaganza: Film Score in Reverse” on Thursday, April 18, and a Sunday, April 21 at the USCB Center For The Arts in Beaufort.
This unique program will feature scenes from “silent” films such as “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” “Faust,” “The General” and “Old Town” projected on the big screen. The surprise — it won’t be silent! Amidst the darkness on stage will be the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra live.
This concept is the opposite of what usually happens when viewers go to the theater to see a movie. In that case, a sound design person has adapted the music to the scenes that will appear on the screen. With “Film Score In Reverse,” a computerized program coordinates scenes from movies while the orchestra plays. The conductor is free to interpret the music as he wishes. This marks the first time this special technique has been offered to audiences in the Lowcountry. Beaufort Symphony Orchestra’s Maestro Frederick Devyatkin will be on the podium as usual.
During the performance of “Flicker, A Celebration of the Silent Age,” you will be able to delight in viewing classic examples of horror, melodrama and spectacle in some of the finest films ever made. It will be a unique opportunity to recall celebrated performances by Lon Chaney, John Barrymore, Buster Keaton, Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, and Charlie Chaplin in their timeless silent film roles. Among the film clips represented are “Phantom of the Opera,” “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” the 1923 “Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and “The Tramp.”
The music of Mussorgsky, Saint-Saens, Grieg, Sibelius, and Stravinsky are among the composers represented. Selections include “Night on Bald Mountain,” “Danse Macabre,” “Peer Gynt,” “Finlandia” and “The Firebird.” These pieces are among the most recognizable and well-loved in musical repertoire today.
The orchestra invites you to come see and hear why this concert will offer an extremely special and different experience. The musicians are grateful for the community’s support as they continue to grow their audiences and keep the music live here in Beaufort. Some have suggested they are among the best small orchestras in the country, and their patrons heartily agree.
The Beaufort Symphony will end its season with “Side By Side,” another one-of-a-kind concert, on Sunday afternoon, May 19. The orchestra is proud to showcase the combined talents of adult and youth musicians at Beaufort High School Performing Arts Auditorium. This will result in a more than 85 piece orchestra, as they feature the growing musicianship of young people sitting alongside the adults. Tickets and information for “Side By Side” must be purchased separately and are now available at www.beaufortorchestra.org. This special concert is offered at a special rate of $20 per ticket.
For more information about supporting the Beaufort Youth Orchestra through scholarships or to audition, contact Greta Maddox at 843-476-1310.
IF YOU GO
What: The Beaufort Symphony Orchestra presents “Hollywood Extravaganza — Film Score in Reverse” with Frederick Devyatkin, Musical Director, and “Flicker, A Symphonic Celebration of the Silent Age.”
Where: USCB Center For The Arts
801 Carteret Street, Beaufort
When: Thursday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, April 21, at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $37.50; Youth through High School, $5. Tickets may be purchased online at www.beaufortorchestra.org
or call 1-800-595-4TIX (4849). Remaining tickets at the door if available.
