There’s a reason why soundtracks are so popular8212;it’s because everyone knows that movie music rocks. The fact there are still classic themes being used today that everyone can instantly recognize8212;from “Jaws” to “Edward Scissorhands”8212;means that movies are doing something right.
On the other hand, there are also songs that aren’t so recognizable. These lesser-known numbers, and their better-known contemporaries will get equal attention in the Utah Symphony performance “An Evening of Film Music,” conducted by Maestro Richard Kaufman, coming up Nov. 14 and Nov. 15.
Kaufman, a native of Los Angeles, started playing the violin at age 7 and had learned to conduct by age 11. Besides a string of international triumphs (he conducted the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra in a world premiere in 1991), Kaufman has a slightly different musical experience than other guest composers: he works in the film industry. Kaufman joined MGM in the ’80s, and has coached numerous stars (Jack Nicholson, Susan Sarandon, Tom Hanks and more) for singing roles in movies. He also played violin for TV and movie soundtracks such as “Jaws” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Add to that an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Music Direction and Composition on the animated “The Pink Panther,” and we have a winner in the city.
The numbers that Kaufman will be conducting encompass a wide range of film music. John Williams’ “The Cowboys,” “Sunset Boulevard Suite” and Franz Waxman’s “Bride of Frankenstein Suite” are just a few of the pieces to be performed. It’ll be like an old-fashioned night at the movies when the orchestra played right in front of the screen.
The Utah Symphony will be performing “An Evening of Film Music” Nov. 14 and Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. Abravanel Hall is, of course, the place. Students should call 801-533-NOTE for discounts. For everyone else, ticket prices range from $27 to $58. The Utah Symphony is absolutely spot on this season, so even without a discount, they’re worth the ticket price. This evening of film music is sure to delight.