Casting a musical spell

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February 5, 2010

Symphony concert is tribute to memorable movies

Anonymous The Tribune-Democrat Fri Feb 05, 2010, 02:38 PM EST

By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

Music and movies go together like love and marriage.

The Johnstown Symphony Orchestra will present a heartfelt tribute to the “Passion and Romance of the Silver Screen” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, 450 Schoolhouse Road, Richland Township.

Harry Potter would be envious as Maestro Istvan Jaray waves his baton to weave a musical spell.

The concert will feature tributes to a handful of memorable movies spanning the 20th century.

“The music for this concert can only begin to scratch the surface,” Jaray said. “Because of Valentine’s Day, we chose to focus on some movies that give a little overview of all the passionate and romantic movies ever made.”

“When we go to the movies, few people realize the importance a musical score to the film,” Jaray said. “Without music, we wouldn’t have the great opening in ‘Jaws’ or ‘As Time Goes By’ in ‘Casablanca’ conjuring up unforgettable scenes.”

The concert will put the audience in the mindset of going to the movies.

“Look at ‘Jaws’ and what the music did for that film,” Jaray said. “While it doesn’t fit this concert’s theme, the music’s power quickens your pulse and adds an element of mystery.”

The evening’s repertoire includes such classics as “Tara’s Theme” from “Gone With the Wind,” “Casablanca Suite” and “Lara’s Theme” from “Doctor Zhivago.”

Johnstown’s movie historian, Andy Lasky, will serve as master of ceremonies.

“We have been collaborating for months with this notion,” Lasky said. “Maestro was kind enough to ask me to do something similar to this about 10 years ago, and I had a ball.”

Paring down the list of songs wasn’t easy as Jaray and Lasky put their heads together to find the most romantic and passionate pieces.

Jaray has been thinking about this program since last year.

“Some songs were rejected because they were too long or didn’t fit the criteria of being a Valentine’s Day or passionate piece,” Jaray said.

Lasky said that when someone hears a particular piece of music from a film such as “Star Wars,” those images are immediately conjured up in the mind.

Lasky didn’t deny that he may have a few surprises during the evening.

“This promises to be a fun night where everyone is going to have a good time,” he said.

For additional excitement during the evening, the audience is invited to dress up as a favorite movie character.

“It’s a great way to get into the spirit of the evening and have fun doing it,” Jaray said.

To order tickets for this concert or for pro-rated season tickets, call 269-7200 or (800) 846-2787.

Single admission prices are $26 or $22 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students.

Information: 535-6738.

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