Concert of Film Music: Korngold in Hollywood

Concert of Film Music: Korngold in Hollywood

Johan Dalene, photo: Marco Borggreve Erich Wolfgang Korngold was a child prodigy whose talent enchanted Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss. He staged his most famous opera at the age of 23, pursued a career as a conductor shortly afterwards and then became, still at a very young age, a lecturer at the Staatsakademie für Musik in Vienna. Nothing foreshadowed his great turn to film, which – bored by the silent image – decided to speak with an audible voice. A few years before the outbreak of the Second World War, Korngold moved to the US, and he eventually took American citizenship. He became permanently associated with Hollywood, setting the mould for later film music composers. At the same time, he remained faithful to the style of the composers whom he had captivated in his early career. Korngold wrote music for many films, including The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) and Kings Row (1941), twice receiving an Oscar. However, he did not abandon the classical forms and contexts of symphonic music. In 1945 he completed his Violin Concerto, with Jascha Heifetz performing the solo part. It is undoubtedly one of the most ‘cinematic’ of instrumental concertos, be it only because the composer took numerous themes from his film scores.

Sinfonie & Holly­wood

Carl Maria von Weber's friendship with Munich court clarinetist Joseph Bärmann inspired three works, including Clarinet Concerto No. 2, which will be performed by Sharon Kam. Erich Wolfgang Korngold's only symphony also features the clarinet prominently. This F-sharp major symphony blends Hollywood sounds with Austrian nostalgia, reflecting Korngold's exile experience. The world premiere of a piece by Florian Kovacic, conducted by Yoel Gamzou, further explores stylistic fusion.

Sinfonie & Holly­wood

Carl Maria von Weber's friendship with Munich court clarinetist Joseph Bärmann inspired three works, including Clarinet Concerto No. 2, which will be performed by Sharon Kam. Erich Wolfgang Korngold's only symphony also features the clarinet prominently. This F-sharp major symphony blends Hollywood sounds with Austrian nostalgia, reflecting Korngold's exile experience. The world premiere of a piece by Florian Kovacic, conducted by Yoel Gamzou, further explores stylistic fusion.

The Best of Hans Zimmer in Concert

The Best of Hans Zimmer in Concert returns in 2026 with the Cinema Festival Symphonics, conducted by Stephen Ellery. Experience Zimmer's iconic scores live, from Gladiator's power to The Lion King's harmonies. Tickets available from January 17, 2026. The concert features a grand orchestra, soloists, and a choir, enhanced by visuals and lighting, celebrating Zimmer's emotional and epic film compositions.

König der Löwen The Music live in Concert

Die preisgekrönte Musik von Sir Elton John und Hans Zimmer zusammen in einem einzigartigen Konzerterlebnis, mit Orchester, Solist*innen, Chor und Leinwand-Animationen, das berührt und begeistert! Das ist "Der König der Löwen - The Music Live in Concert". Der Oscar-prämierte Soundtrack von Filmmusik-Legende Hans Zimmer prägt nun schon seit 27 Jahren den weltweit erfolgreichen Zeichentrickfilm "Der König Der Löwen": Afrikanische Rhythmen und Klänge gepaart mit monumentalen, epischen Melodien. Die ergreifenden Hits von Sir Elton John wie "Hakuna Matata", "Circle of Life" und "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" sind zeitlos und für die Ewigkeit komponiert.In ihren eindrucksvollen Performances hauchen Chor und Musiker*innen den bekannten Figuren Leben ein. Die großartigen Stimmen der Star-Solist*innen faszinieren das Publikum mit ihrer Anmut und ihrem Können. Jeder Ton, den sie anstimmen, verleiht den Liedern eine unvergleichliche Tiefe. Inmitten dieser sinfonischen Aufführung glänzt der Chor, der mit seinem harmonischen Gesang die bekannten Melodien des Films zum Leben erweckt. Gänsehaut entsteht bei der Orchesterversion der kultigen Filmsongs. Die Zuschauer tauchen direkt ein in die Welt von Simba, Nala und Co., wenn die Songs mit kunstvollen Leinwand-Animationen emotionalisiert werden. Solist*innen, Chor und Orchester der Cinema Festival Symphonics unter der Leitung von Stephen Ellery aus London begeisterten die Zuschauer*innrn schon mit den Konzert-Aufführungen von "Game of Thrones", "The Music of Star Wars" und "The Music of Harry Potter". Das Ensemble ist bekannt für ihren emotionalen, originalgetreuen, klanggewaltigen Sound, der die Zuschauer*innen direkt in die Filmthemen eintauchen lässt.

The Music of Harry Potter

For 20 years, the Harry Potter films have captivated audiences worldwide. The iconic film music, composed by John Williams, Patrick Doyle, Nicolas Hooper, and Alexander Desplat, plays a significant role. "The Music of Harry Potter – Live in Concert" encapsulates the musical highlights of the films and the play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child." The Cinema Festival Symphonics, along with soloists and a choir, take fans on a musical journey through all eight films, accompanied by stunning visuals and effects. The concert evokes a rollercoaster of emotions, from the chills of "Hedwig's Theme" to the mystical "Black Lake" and the touching "Dumbledore's Farewell."

Spectre in Concert

In Spectre, Daniel Craig returns as the iconic secret agent 007, infiltrating a mysterious criminal organization known as Spectre, led by the villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld (played by Christoph Waltz). Join the adventure from the vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico City, through the ancient streets of Rome, to the glittering ski slopes of Switzerland and the burning sands of North Africa. While Bond faces one of his greatest challenges: a race against time to stop Blofeld before he gains complete control of global intelligence.Thomas Newman's powerful and compelling sounds bring the tension of each scene to life. From the epic The Pale King to the iconic James Bond theme, the music will give you goosebumps as you are immersed in the action and intrigue of one of the most beloved Bond films. Spectre in Concert is an unparalleled movie experience, where image and sound come together in a spectacular musical journey. This is Bond at his best!

Spectre in Concert

In Spectre, Daniel Craig returns as the iconic secret agent 007, infiltrating a mysterious criminal organization known as Spectre, led by the villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld (played by Christoph Waltz). Join the adventure from the vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico City, through the ancient streets of Rome, to the glittering ski slopes of Switzerland and the burning sands of North Africa. While Bond faces one of his greatest challenges: a race against time to stop Blofeld before he gains complete control of global intelligence.Thomas Newman's powerful and compelling sounds bring the tension of each scene to life. From the epic The Pale King to the iconic James Bond theme, the music will give you goosebumps as you are immersed in the action and intrigue of one of the most beloved Bond films. Spectre in Concert is an unparalleled movie experience, where image and sound come together in a spectacular musical journey. This is Bond at his best!

Concert of the Society of Friends of Music in Vienna

Concert of the Society of Friends of Music in Vienna