The Quebec entertainment company GFN Productions was only founded last year, but it’s already shooting for the stars.
On April 19 and 20, GFN is bringing George Lucas’s 1977 film, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, to Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Arts, in a live concert rendition of the world-renowned, epic space film. After the enormous success of its first ever film-to-concert adaptation of Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in January, the Montreal-based company is extremely hopeful for a similar result in their upcoming show.
“The reception of the Lord of the Rings concert was astonishing,” said Francis Choinière, president and production manager of GFN. “With two sold-out shows, the public was moved by the scale and power of the performance. It really brought the movie and soundtrack to life, and they were craving for a continuation of the trilogy. The concert, in every aspect, was a success.”
GFN’s Lord of the Rings show featured the l’Orchestre FILMharmonique, recently renamed from MTL Film Music Orchestra, and MTL Film Music Choir. The upcoming Star Wars concert will not feature a choir, as the film’s score solely requires the accompaniment of an orchestra. L’Orchestre FILMharmonique will provide the soundtrack while the film is projected on a mega-sized screen above the stage, with french subtitles. The orchestra will be conducted by experienced Finnish-American conductor, Erik Ochsner.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope is scored by veteran composer and film soundtrack great, John Williams. Williams is responsible for the music from iconic films like the Harry Potter series, Jurassic Park, the Indiana Jones series and more. Known for his epic, full-bodied sound, Williams has made his mark on both the film and music industries, providing the perfect foundation for live-orchestra film concerts.
“Not every film is well suited for the concert hall,” says Choinière. “John Williams’ musical score is exceptional, and creates exactly the impact we want in our shows.”
With tickets ranging between $60 and $140, GFN hopes to create an inclusive event for all film and music fans. Star Wars: A New Hope and its score attract all generations, and GFN hopes its second film showing does the same.
Tickets for the April 19 and 20 shows at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier can be purchased on the Place des Arts website.