“The New York Philharmonic currently is offering a lively all-Mozart affair, with excerpts from symphonic works, operas and the choral masterpiece, the ‘Requiem,’ ” writes Charles Passy in Thursday’s (4/12) Wall Street Journal. “But this isn’t a concert as such…. The Philharmonic is showing the … film ‘Amadeus’ with live orchestral accompaniment.… For the past five seasons, the orchestra has offered the screenings … as part of its the Art of the Score series, under the artistic advisory of the actor, classical-music enthusiast and Philharmonic board member Alec Baldwin. Past presentations have included ‘The Godfather,’ ‘West Side Story,’ ‘Manhattan’ and an Alfred Hitchcock event…. Philharmonic officials see the cinematic programming as a good way to reach audiences who might not go to a classical event. The idea is that once they experience a live orchestra, they will return, perhaps to a concert sans film. The cinematic events are ‘a gateway drug,’ said Mr. Baldwin.… During its five-season history, the Art of the Score series has drawn an audience of 98% capacity…. Deborah Borda, the orchestra’s president and chief executive officer … said the movies are a powerful form of outreach. ‘This is genuine crossover,’ she noted.
Posted April 16, 2018
