fanfarra cinemÁtica
.. . . . . is a multi-disciplinary and multi-generational wind ensemble
on Vancouver Island dedicated to complementing the moving image with music.
Formed in the spring of 2024, Fanfarra Cinematica, under the direction of
veteran theatre and circus music composer, Gregg Moore, toured small
communities on Vancouver Island with their inaugural, highly successful show,
‘Music for The General.’ This rare combination of seasoned professionals and
capable, eager young graduates of Vancouver Island conservatories performed the
innovative score composed by Moore. In 2002, he was commissioned by a group
of cinema enthusiasts in the small town of Covilha, Portugal to compose a musical
accompaniment for Buster Keaton’s masterpiece of silent cinema, ‘The General,’
for a festival of silent film with live music. The music reflects a wide variety of
compositional influences including 19th century parlour songs, military marches,
love songs and cartoon melodies. The ensemble includes trumpet, trombone,
saxophone, percussion, clarinet, tuba, mandolin and keyboard. Keaton’s ‘The
General’ is an imaginative masterpiece generally regarded as one of the greatest of
all silent comedies.
on Vancouver Island dedicated to complementing the moving image with music.
Formed in the spring of 2024, Fanfarra Cinematica, under the direction of
veteran theatre and circus music composer, Gregg Moore, toured small
communities on Vancouver Island with their inaugural, highly successful show,
‘Music for The General.’ This rare combination of seasoned professionals and
capable, eager young graduates of Vancouver Island conservatories performed the
innovative score composed by Moore. In 2002, he was commissioned by a group
of cinema enthusiasts in the small town of Covilha, Portugal to compose a musical
accompaniment for Buster Keaton’s masterpiece of silent cinema, ‘The General,’
for a festival of silent film with live music. The music reflects a wide variety of
compositional influences including 19th century parlour songs, military marches,
love songs and cartoon melodies. The ensemble includes trumpet, trombone,
saxophone, percussion, clarinet, tuba, mandolin and keyboard. Keaton’s ‘The
General’ is an imaginative masterpiece generally regarded as one of the greatest of
all silent comedies.
'Music for The General'
. . . is a concert of live, original music set to the action of the Buster Keaton masterpiece. An hour and a quarter of music describes the madcap, rough and tumble action of the film and reflects a wide variety of compositional influences from military marches à la Hannes Eisler and Kurt Weill to angular late 20th century experimentalism and improvisation. The film music of Ennio Morricone, Danny Elfman and Nino Rota and the circus qualities inherent in Klezmer music are all channeled to musically animate this product of the cinematic genius of Buster Keaton.
. . . is a concert of live, original music set to the action of the Buster Keaton masterpiece. An hour and a quarter of music describes the madcap, rough and tumble action of the film and reflects a wide variety of compositional influences from military marches à la Hannes Eisler and Kurt Weill to angular late 20th century experimentalism and improvisation. The film music of Ennio Morricone, Danny Elfman and Nino Rota and the circus qualities inherent in Klezmer music are all channeled to musically animate this product of the cinematic genius of Buster Keaton.
The Ensemble
Aedan Geiger - trumpet
Sylvan Wilkinson - tenor & soprano saxophones
Rob Pearce - percussion
Chuck Currie - clarinets
Nathan Skip - alto saxophone
Gregg Moore - tuba, trombone, mandolin, banjo, electronics
Aedan Geiger - trumpet
Sylvan Wilkinson - tenor & soprano saxophones
Rob Pearce - percussion
Chuck Currie - clarinets
Nathan Skip - alto saxophone
Gregg Moore - tuba, trombone, mandolin, banjo, electronics
Classically trained percussionist Rob Pearce started his career after studies in Toronto playing freelance for orchestras and musical theatre' A scholarship to Banff Summer program brought him west in 1983,. with a move to Victoria and a career of busy freelancing with the Victoria Symphony, musical theatre projects, rock bands and jazz big bands and everything in between.
Victoria native Nathan Skip is a saxophonist and composer. coming to the group from the UVic saxophone program. He's been active in jazz, concert and R&B settings since middle school. and has a particular interest in music for video games. This has led to a passion for composition and an academic career at UVic where he started in 2023
Chuck Currie has enjoyed a long career as one of Canada's leading woodwind players. A native of Ontario, Chuck has been featured in international gatherings of clarinet & saxophone players and since the 1980's based primarily in Vancouver performing with most of BC’s major classical and wind ensembles as well as teaching in local schools. He regularly writes for professional journals and operates his own teaching studio in Victoria.
Aedan Geiger grew up in Ladysmith BC and comes to Fanfarra Cinematica via the prestigious VIU Jazz program where he has been active in jazz big bands, small ensembles and local theatrical productions. He is currently studying music education with the goal of sharing his love for music with future generations.
Sylvan Wilkinson, from Red Deer, Alberta is a recent graduate from the University of Victoria’s saxophone performance program. Sylvan's academic career had them gracing the ranks of a wide variety of performance ensembles and winning distinguished scholarships and competitions. Sylvan continues to live in Victoria as they prepare for further studies..
A product of a musical family on the northcoast of California, Gregg Moore had a 30 year career based in Amsterdam, Holland playing jazz, experimental, blues, folk, reggae and pop music as well as composing for theatre and dance. He was introduced to the joys of community music via an alternative community wind band and has dedicated himself to promoting those values ever since. Moving to Portugal he immersed himself in the rich folk culture found there and kick-started a vibrant street band scene. For the past 20 years he is back on the northcoast of California promoting community music and teaching.
Praise for 'Music for The General'
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ab-so-lutely brilliant !!!
Dr. Michael Eldridge, Redwood Jazz Alliance, HSU Dept. of English Best show EVER at Petrolia Community Center! Michael Evanson, Petrolia A tour de force. Ellen Taylor, Petrolia ‘Bravo! What a lot of creative work and passion’ Kymme, Courtenay ‘The General was fantastic. The music score was perfect and I enjoyed watching the musicians as much as the movie. It was SOOOO much fun. My jaws ached at the end of it from laughing so much. Wonderful Job from everyone! Dev, Royston Contact:
Ruthie Tilston +1 (250) 650-2204 ruthietilston@yahoo.ca |
What a beautiful way to bring the community together
Tina Marier, Orleans You were how many? Only six? You sounded like a whole orchestra! Jane Lapiner, Human NatureTheatre, Petrolia winner of Prize of Hope, 2010 a wonderful cinematic experience. I guarantee you will not be disappointed Greg King, director, Siskiyou Land Conservancy You helped us all travel back in time! What a wonderful, once-(or nonce)-in-a-lifetime experience for those of us in the 2020s to experience a silent film from a hundred years ago. Really great! Judy, Courtenay |