‘John Williams Reimagined’ and ‘Interstellar in Concert’ Among Soundtrax Film Music Festival Lineup

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At the debut of the Soundtrax Film Music Festival and conference, happening from October 16th to 18th, you’ll find performances like “John Williams Redefined” and “Interstellar in Concert” among the lineup of films and concerts.

The Eastman School of Music and the University of Rochester plan to celebrate the cinematic heritage of George Eastman, a pioneer who not only established the school but also the Eastman Kodak Company – and is famously known as the father of motion picture film.

Festival co-director Mark Watters commented, “This event is more than just a festival or seminar; it’s a celebration for film enthusiasts. It offers a multi-sensory encounter designed to inspire, connect, and uplift those who appreciate the influence of music and sound in visual storytelling.”

Or, more concisely:

Festival co-director Mark Watters noted that this event is not just a festival or conference; it’s a celebration for film lovers, offering a multi-sensory experience to inspire, connect, and elevate those passionate about the power of music and sound in visual media.

Over the three-day concert series, you’ll find “John Williams Reimagined” – a live rendition of John Williams’ legendary film score masterpieces reworked for cello, flute, and piano. The performance will feature musicians who played on many of Williams’ original recordings, including Sara Andon on the flute, Cecilia Tsan on the cello, and Simone Pedroni on the piano.

Or simply:

During the three-day concert lineup, you can catch “John Williams Reimagined” – a live version of John Williams’ famous film scores rearranged for cello, flute, and piano. The show will star musicians who played on many of Williams’ original recordings such as Sara Andon (flute), Cecilia Tsan (cello), and Simone Pedroni (piano).

At the “Interstellar in Concert” event, Roger Sayer, the original organist for the film, will give insights into his collaboration with director Christopher Nolan and composer Hans Zimmer during the production. He’ll also perform his unique arrangement of Interstellar on the historic Sanctuary Organ at Rochester’s Third Presbyterian Church.

As a captivated cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be witnessing a unique blend of magic and music at the “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 – In Concert” event, performed live by the talented Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. This symphony of spells promises an unforgettable cinematic experience!

Terence Blanchard, the frequent collaborator of Spike Lee, is expected to join in as well. He will showcase some of his best pieces, such as those from “25th Hour”, “Malcolm X” and “BlacKkKlansman”.

Professor YooJin Jang, hailing from Eastman, will conduct the Eastman Philharmonia for a live rendition of music inspired by “The Red Violin”.

Beyond the stage shows, the conference will delve into various aspects of artificial intelligence in music production. This includes an exploration of Dolby Atmos technology, as well as a dedicated session focusing on sound and music production.

The conference and festival were jointly arranged by faculty members from Eastman and the University of Rochester’s Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Mark Bocko, an esteemed professor in electrical and computer engineering who also serves as director, stated that “Rochester offers a unique blend of cultural importance and technological advancements, making it ideal for an exceptional event like Soundtrax.” He further explained that this occasion provides a delightful and enlightening opportunity to examine how the art, science, and technology of sound and music influence visual media.

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2025-04-10 16:46