Europe has been a destination for classical concerts for centuries, so it is only fitting that one of the cultural capitols of the world, Prague, should host its annual 4-day concert series with an emphasis on music in film. The popularity of film music concerts has seen wide success in countries such as Poland, Austria, Germany and Spain. Prague is meeting this growing interest by curating one-of-a-kind concert experiences you cannot find anywhere else.
“We are striving to get to a higher level,” says festival director, Nikola Bojcev. “For 2018, we are preparing five big concerts. This is the largest number in the festival’s history, plus additional programming will include more panels with professionals from the film music industry.”
“Our festival is focusing on top quality performances,” he continues. “We cooperate with the best Czech ensembles and musicians. Every concert offers a balanced mix of beautiful music and visuals – each concert featuring original images, original lighting effects.”
The 2018 Film Music Prague Festival will take place April 19 through April 22 and will include five large-scale concerts performed by the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra. On April 19th, the Opening Gala Concert titled “Goosebumps!“ will take the audience on the journey through the musical world of Benjamin Wallfisch, Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe. The program includes a world concert premiere of Blade Runner 2049, and features selections from IT, A Cure For Wellness, Hidden Figures, Genius and more.
On April 20th, the two back-to-back concert performances of Two Steps From Hell will be one of the festival‘s highlights. This sold-out events feature popular epic music composed by Thomas Jacob Bergersen and Nick Phoenix. Soloist Merethe Soltvedt and the Kühn Choir will be guest performers.
For very first time, Grammy-nominated composer Clint Mansell will present a fully symphonic concert of his film music from The Fountain, Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan, Moon, Noah and Loving Vincent. This concert will take place on April 21st.
The True Stories Gala on April 22nd is a closing concert which includes themes from movies based on true events. Audiences will listen to the scores of John Williams from Schindler‘s List and Amistad as well as the world premiere of a suite from John Ottman‘s Valkyrie. BAFTA-nominated composer Ilan Eshkeri will be in attendance for the performance of his suite to Young Victoria. The program also includes Ed Wood, The King‘s Speech, Chariots of Fire and many more beautiful film scores.
New this year, Film Music Prague Festival is preparing panel discussions with people by professionals from the film music industry. Panels about scoring sessions, the composing process and public relations for composers in Hollywood will offer attendees insight into the inner-workings of the film industry. This program will help the festival to grow and educate its audiences.
“An important part of the program is our Meet and Greets. Composers have an opportunity to interact with audiences as well as to share their thoughts on panels in the festival center. This opportunity is very unique in Czech Republic.”
Here is the concert line-up:
- April 19th – Goosebumps! Opening Night Concert
- April 20th – Two Steps From Hell Live in Concert (two performances)
- April 21st – Clint Mansell Symphonic Concert
- April 22nd – True Stories Closing Night Gala Concert
For more information and tickets, please visit www.filmmusicprague.com
Cover Image by Matej Trasak
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