Hollywood in Vienna

The family went to see Hollywood in Vienna, a concert of great film music, played by the ORF Radio Orchestra, in the Konzerthaus, Wien. The highlight was the appearance of Howard Shore, the composer of The Lords of the Rings scores. He was given the "Max Steiner Film Music Award", given by the city of Vienna.

Actually, the concert was sold out, so we went to the dress rehearsal, which was in some ways, just as cool. Since it was a rehearsal, I didn't think a few non-flash pics would be a problem....

The Konzerthaus is the "weak-sister" of halls in Vienna - the Musikverein being the superstar that it is, but the Konzerthaus, is beautiful.... tasteful, good sitelines, and a great sound. The ORF is a fine group, the horns kicked butt.

They played music and showed video from "The Sea Hawk", by Korngold (who lived around the corner from us before he left for Hollywood; Ben-Hur, Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean and Avatar. The second half featured music by Howard Shore, the big piece being a Suite from LOTR... cool.... MArisa and I will be spending a lot of time in the Konzerthaus- she and Ben are going to see Gustavo Dudamel with the Vienna Phil next week, She and I are seeing Bryn Terfel (OMG,OMG,OMG,OMG,OMG...) and also the Deustsche Sinfonie Orchestra, Berlin... sweeet!

Thanks for stopping by.

Pics:

1. Ben and intermission, slouching and unable to remember how to smile.

2. Lucas, to whom posture and smiling comes naturally.

3. Beethoven, frowning down upon the boys.

4. Pirates!

5. The Sea Hawk. GREAT MUSIC!!