“John Williams Reimagined” and “Interstellar in Concert” are among the concerts and films taking place at the inaugural Soundtrax Film Music Festival and conference from Oct. 16-18.
The Eastman School of Music and the University of Rochester will honor the cinematic legacy of George Eastman, who founded the school as well as the Eastman Kodak Company — and is the father of motion picture film.
Festival co-director Mark Watters said, “This isn’t just a festival or conference — it’s a celebration for film lovers. It’s a multi-sensory experience to inspire, connect and elevate those passionate about the power of music and sound in visual media.”
Among the concert films playing over the three days are “John Williams Reimagined”: A live performance of John Williams’ iconic film score classics “reimagined” for cello, flute and piano, featuring musicians who played on many of Williams’ original recordings: Sara Andon, flute; Cecilia Tsan, cello; Simone
Pedroni, piano.
The “Interstellar in Concert” performance will feature the film’s original organist Roger Sayer, who will share his experience of working with director Christopher Nolan and composer Hans Zimmer. Sayer will also play his original Interstellar arrangement on the historic Sanctuary Organ of Rochester’s Third Presbyterian Church.
There will be a live-to-picture performance of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 — In Concert” by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
Spike Lee’s go-to composer Terence Blanchard will also make an appearance. He will perform highlights from his body of work, including “25th Hour,” “Malcolm X” and “BlacKkKlansman.”
Eastman professor YooJin Jang will lead the Eastman Philharmonia with a performance of music from “The Red Violin in Concert.”
Aside from the performances, conference sessions will cover AI in music production, immersed in sound which looks at Dolby Atmos, and there will be a conference on sound and music production.
The conference and festival were collaboratively organized by faculty of Eastman and the University of Rochester’s Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Mark Bocko, a distinguished professor of electrical and computer engineering and director. Said Bocko, “Rochester has the perfect combination of cultural significance and technological innovation to host a unique experience like Soundtrax.” He added, “This event presents a fun and fascinating way to explore how the artistry, science and technology of sound and music shape visual media.”
