West Side Story - a tale of love, diversity and intolerance - is being brought to life by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
It’s the first time a New Zealand based orchestra has performed Leonard Bernstein’s score of West Side Story while the film plays on a screen.
West Side Story Photo: Supplied
MGM has created a high definition version of the film. The vocal tracks have been isolated and the score removed.
It was restored by Paris-based Audioamix which “taught” its technology to recognise and then remove orchestral elements on the sound-track while retaining vocals, dialogue, and effects.
Photo: supplied
It will be a challenge to get the timing right between the music and the action on screen, but it’s a challenge chief conductor Benjamin Northey is looking forward to.
“Leonard Bernstein’s score to West Side Story is a masterpiece of 20th century music. Unlike the small pit orchestra scoring heard in the theatrical version, the film score requires a huge studio orchestra complete with jazz big band,” he says. “The effect is emotionally very powerful and the dance sequences in particularly are absolutely thrilling.”
Benjamin Northey Photo: Matt Irwin
“This music has brought so much joy and meaning to audiences for well over fifty years and this is a unique opportunity to experience the genius of Leonard Bernstein at his best.”
West Side Story will be performed at the newly renovated Christchurch Town Hall on Saturday 30 March.
