Soundtrax Festival to Explore the Intersection of music,Film,and Technology in Rochester
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A groundbreaking festival bringing together leading composers,industry experts,and scholars will immerse audiences in the world of film and visual media scoring,alongside explorations of cutting-edge audio technology.
The university of Rochester will host Soundtrax, a unique festival designed to celebrate the artistry and science of sound in visual culture.The event will feature a diverse range of concerts, speaker sessions, and interactive workshops, all designed to explore the dynamic relationship between music, film, and technology.
Rochester, New York, holds a significant place in the history of both film and music. The city was once home to George Eastman and Kodak, and a pioneer in early motion picture technologies. Hosting a festival dedicated to film music in Rochester, according to festival organizers, represents a “coming full circle” – a convergence of music, imagery, invention, and artistry in the very place where it all began.
Concert Highlights: From Blockbusters to Reimagined Classics
The festival’s concert lineup promises a captivating experience for music lovers and film enthusiasts alike. Featured performances include:
- Film Scores live! – The Music of Terence Blanchard: Grammy Award-winning composer and jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard will perform selections from his iconic film scores, including Malcolm X and BlacKkKlansman, accompanied by the gateways Festival Orchestra and the E-collective.
- The Red Violin in Concert: The Eastman Philharmonia, led by Eastman alumnus Jeff Beal – a five-time Emmy winner known for his work on House of Cards, Carnivale, and Rome – will perform alongside a screening of The Red Violin.
- John Williams Reimagined (American premiere): Audiences will experience a fresh perspective on beloved cinematic themes, reinterpreted for cello, flute, and piano by artists who have collaborated directly with the legendary John Williams.
- Interstellar in Concert: Organist Roger Sayer will present a unique arrangement of the Interstellar score on the historic Sanctuary Organ at Rochester’s Third Presbyterian Church, sharing insights from his work with Christopher Nolan and Hans Zimmer.
- Harry Potter and the deathly Hallows Part 2 – In concert: The Rochester Philharmonic will provide live orchestral accompaniment to the final installment of the blockbuster Harry Potter film franchise.
Free Speaker Sessions to Explore the Future of Sound
Beyond the concerts, Soundtrax will offer a series of free daytime speaker sessions, accessible with registration. These sessions will delve into a range of topics, including the impact of AI in music, spatial audio, synthesizers, and immersive sound design. Panel discussions, workshops, and exploratory sessions will be held in Kilbourn Hall and Hatch Recital Hall at Eastman.
A Nexus of Disciplines at the University of Rochester
Soundtrax is more than just a festival; its a collaborative effort between the University of Rochester’s Hajim School and the Eastman School of music. The Hajim School’s expertise in optics, imaging, acoustics, and engineering will complement Eastman’s renowned strengths in performance, composition, and media.
“This is an opportunity to explore how the artistry, science, and technology of sound and music shape visual media,” stated a senior official involved with the festival.University of Rochester President Sarah mangelsdorf added that the festival “brings together the University of Rochester’s signature strengths…with our leadership in optics, acoustics, visual science, and engineering.”
Soundtrax promises to be a landmark event,fostering innovation and celebrating the powerful synergy between sound and visual storytelling.
