Inaugural London Soundtrack Festival announced today, headlined by Oscar-winning Lord of the Rings composer Howard Shore
Featuring an exclusive in-conversation event with Howard Shore and filmmaker David Cronenberg about their legendary collaborations
The capital’s first annual Festival dedicated to celebrating the music of film, TV and games, in association with the BFI, will take place from 19 – 26 March 2025
The programme will feature live performances, panel discussions, in-conversation screenings, composer Q&As and masterclasses with some of the biggest names in film, TV and games music
Fotografiju ustupio London Soundtrack Festival
A retrospective of the work of legendary composer Howard Shore (Lord of the Rings, The Silence of the Lambs) joins events celebrating the work of Hildur Guðnadóttir (Tar, Joker), Anna Meredith (Eighth Grade), Anne Dudley (Poldark, The Full Monty), Harry Gregson-Williams (The Martian), Stephen Barton (Star Trek: Picard, Star Wars: Jedi – Fallen Order, Apex Legends), Natalie Holt (Loki, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Paddington) and Paul Farrer (The Chase, Weakest Link), with more artists to be announced soon
Featuring several of London’s leading orchestras hosted in some of the capital’s most iconic cultural venues including Southbank Centre, BFI IMAX, The Roundhouse, Alexandra Palace, Wigmore Hall and Cadogan Hall
12 June 2024, London: The London Soundtrack Festival (LSF), London’s first dedicated annual Festival celebrating the music of film, TV and games, has today revealed elements of its spectacular inaugural programme that will take place across the capital in March 2025.
In association with BFI, the Festival will be hosted by some of the capital’s greatest cultural venues, including Royal Festival Hall, Alexandra Palace and BFI IMAX, and feature several of London’s leading orchestras and the biggest names in film, TV and games music. The Festival reflects London’s status as one of the most important cultural centres for soundtracks worldwide, with its legendary studios, musicians, facilities and leading creative artists across all music disciplines.
Founded by concert producer, broadcaster and musician Tommy Pearson, the London Soundtrack Festival is inspired by the life and music of Christopher Gunning, the multi-award-winning composer who wrote the iconic theme to ITV’s Poirot (starring David Suchet), the Bafta-winning score to the movie La Vie En Rose, and the jingles for famous ad campaigns for Martini and Black Magic.
Following his untimely death in March 2023, Christopher’s widow Sveta asked Tommy Pearson to create a festival to emulate Christopher’s extraordinary talent, skill and infectious, enthusiastic spirit. In his honour, each year the Festival will present the Gunning Inspiration Award to a major figure in the industry who has made a lasting impact on music with their distinction and craft. The recipient will also headline that year’s Festival.
Today, music for film, TV and games is more popular than ever with orchestral music concerts featuring film soundtracks now making up 30%, TV soundtracks 26%, and video game concerts 11% of all concerts in the UK since 2018 (Source: RPO Report).
Soundtrack music also acts as a gateway for new audiences to explore orchestral music, with film screenings featuring a live orchestra ranking in the Top 5 of orchestral concerts attended by newcomers (Source: RPO report). Online engagement has grown too with TikTok’s #soundtrack hashtag growing 84% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching 2.3 billion views (Source: BBC News).
With appreciation for film, TV and game music at an all-time high, this is the perfect time to celebrate the art form with some of its greatest practitioners.
Programme highlights
Howard Shore
Howard Shore is one of the most successful and popular film composers. His soundtrack for The Lord of the Rings trilogy, for which he won countless awards (including three Oscars and three Grammys), is some of the most beloved film music of the last 25 years. Shore’s discography is vast and wide-ranging, scoring films such as Mrs Doubtfire, Silence of the Lambs, Se7en, and six films with Martin Scorsese including The Departed and The Aviator.
In recognition of his constant originality, creativity and craft, Shore will become the first recipient of the Gunning Inspiration Award, which will be presented to him by director David Cronenberg as part of the LSF’s central Gala Concert.
Cronenberg and Shore have worked together for over 45 years, creating some of film’s most memorable, startling, moving and controversial moments. As part of a special Q&A event at Royal Festival Hall, Cronenberg and Shore (in conversation with journalist Jon Burlingame) will discuss their extraordinary collaboration, featuring Videodrome, The Fly, Dead Ringers, Crash, M Butterfly, Eastern Promises, A History of Violence, Naked Lunch and their 17th and most recent film together, The Shrouds.
Shore will also introduce exclusive screenings of some of his most iconic scores, with further details to be announced.
Hildur Guðnadóttir
Icelandic composer Hildur Guðnadóttir, best known for her scores for Joker (for which she won an Oscar, Grammy, BAFTA, and Golden Globe) and TV series Chernobyl (Grammy, Emmy and BAFTA), is also an LSF Featured Artist next year.
Guðnadóttir will lead a pre-concert talk about her work ahead of presenting Hildur Guðnadóttir In Concert at Queen Elizabeth Hall, performed by the London Contemporary Orchestra. The programme will celebrate Guðnadóttir’s film and TV music alongside her influences and inspirations.
Hildur has written a new commission for cellist Richard Harwood, who will premiere the piece at Wigmore Hall as part of a lunchtime recital of music by film composers written for the concert hall.
Gala performances
At the heart of the Festival is a Gala Concert at Royal Festival Hall from London Philharmonic Orchestra with conductor Ben Palmer, featuring music by all featured artists, with a particular focus on the recipient of this year’s Gunning Inspiration Award, Howard Shore.
BBC Concert Orchestra will perform popular hits from film and television at Alexandra Palace in a live edition of the BBC’s long-running popular programme Friday Night Is Music Night, broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.
Anne Dudley and Friends: Movie Songs Live sees Oscar-winning composer Anne Dudley (The Full Monty, Art of Noise) and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at The Roundhouse presenting an exclusive night of movie songs and music featuring some very special guest vocalists, still to be announced
Screenings
Musician and composer Anna Meredith will introduce a live performance of her score for Bo Burnham’s film Eighth Grade played in sync with a screening of the film at BFI IMAX.
Charlie Chaplin’s masterpiece Modern Times will screen at Cadogan Hall with the original score played live by Covent Garden Sinfonia led by conductor Ben Palmer. The performance will be Introduced by Chaplin’s grandson, Spencer Chaplin.
Throughout the Festival, there will be exclusive screenings of films featuring scores by LSF featured artists, often introduced by the composers themselves. Further details will be announced soon.
Masterclasses and talks
Composer Paul Farrer (The Chase, Weakest Link) will reveal his composing and production process in a special masterclass.
Multi-award-winning composer Natalie Holt will present a masterclass exploring her process behind creating scores for TV hits Loki and Obi-Wan Kenobi in a masterclass.
Producers of music notation software Dorico will demonstrate the latest tricks and developments for media music creators in a demonstration session at the Southbank Centre.
And LSF host Jon Burlingame, one of the most respected writers on film and TV music in the world, will discuss his book ‘Music for Prime Time: A History of American Television Themes and Scoring’ with LSF Artistic Director and Founder, Tommy Pearson
Games Music
An unmissable celebration of Video Games Music will take place at The Roundhouse with Games Music: State of the Art, with masterclasses (by Grammy and Ivor-Award winning composers Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab on their score for Star Wars: Jedi Survivor), demos, autograph opportunities and a panel session with a stellar line-up of Games Music composers, including Borislav Slavov (Baldur’s Gate 3), Ludvig Forssell (Death Stranding) and Harry Gregson-Williams (Metal Gear).
Further events and details will be announced in the next few months.
Unveiling details of the inaugural Festival this morning at BFI Southbank, Festival Founder & Artistic Director Tommy Pearson has said: “It’s really exciting to be bringing this brand-new festival to London – the film, TV and games music capital of the world – and to celebrate the greatest composers working today who create the soundtrack to our lives. For me, it’s the culmination of a lifetime’s love of film and TV music; a chance to give audiences young and old (and everyone in between!) world-class performances, fascinating masterclasses, screenings and events for many years to come.”
Stuart Brown, Director of Programmes and Distribution at the BFI has said: “Music is the spiritual soul of cinema, television and video games, it inhabits our hearts, minds and dreams. We’re buzzing to be working with the London Soundtrack Festival to bring this very exciting new festival to audiences, and to be part of a really meaningful celebration of the incredible talent that brings these art forms to life.”
Howard Shore, composer and recipient of the inaugural Gunning Inspiration Award, has said: “It is an honour to be invited to the inaugural London Soundtrack Festival and to be the first recipient of the Inspiration Award. After many years of recording with the great London Philharmonic Orchestra, I am so looking forward to reuniting with them at the Gala Concert.”
Tickets to the Festival will go on sale in September 2024. For full details of the programme, and to sign up for the newsletter to hear about future updates, please visit londonsoundtrackfestival.com and follow the Festival on social media (@LDNSoundtrack).
Festival Website: londonsoundtrackfestival.com
Festival Social handles: @LDNSoundtrack (Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube)
PROGRAMME DETAILS
Event timings to be confirmed in due course
Wednesday 19 March 2025
Concert: Richard Harwood & Friends
Wigmore Hall
Cellist Richard Harwood is joined by star chamber musicians for a lunchtime recital of music by Film composers written for the concert hall – including a new commission by LSF Featured Artist Hildur Guðnadóttir.
Film in Concert: Chaplin’s Modern Times
Cadogan Hall
Covent Garden Sinfonia | Conductor: Ben Palmer
Chaplin’s masterpiece screened with the original score played live. Introduced by Chaplin’s grandson, Spencer Chaplin.
Thursday 20 March 2025
Film in Concert: EIGHTH GRADE with live score
BFI IMAX
Anna Meredith introduces a live performance of her score played in synch with the 2018 film directed by Bo Burnham.
Friday 21 March 2025
Concert: Friday Night is Music Night
Alexandra Palace
BBC Concert Orchestra
A live broadcast of the long-running popular strand, now on BBC Radio 3. Featuring popular hits from film and television.
Saturday 22 March 2025
Masterclass: Harry Gregson-Williams
Southbank Centre
One of Hollywood’s most sought-after and prolific composers, Harry Gregson-Williams has scored numerous hit movies, TV series and video games. In this masterclass, Harry reveals his composing and technical process in a fascinating session demonstrating how he creates film cues.
Demonstration: Dorico in Action
Southbank Centre
The music software producers demonstrate the latest tricks and developments for media music creators.
Q&A: Howard Shore and David Cronenberg in Conversation
Royal Festival Hall
In this very special event, Director David Cronenberg and composer Howard Shore, in conversation with Jon Burlingame, discuss their extraordinary 45-year collaboration, featuring Videodrome, The Fly, Dead Ringers, Crash, M Butterfly, Eastern Promises, A History of Violence, Naked Lunch and their 17th and most recent film together, The Shrouds.
Concert: LSF Gala Concert
Royal Festival Hall
London Philharmonic Orchestra | Conductor: Ben Palmer
The Festival celebrates its inaugural year with a gala concert featuring music by all featured artists and a special focus on the recipient of the LSF Inspiration Award, Howard Shore.
Sunday 23 March 2025
Games Music – State of the Art
The Roundhouse – All Day
An unmissable celebration of Video Games Music with masterclasses (by Grammy and Ivor-Award winning composers Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab on their score for Star Wars: Jedi Survivor), demos, autograph opportunities and a Panel Session with a stellar line-up of Games Music composers, including Borislav Slavov, Ludvig Forssell and Harry Gregson-Williams.
Masterclass: Stephen Barton
The Roundhouse
The Grammy Award-winning composer gives an exclusive masterclass on writing music for Games.
Concert: Games Music: State of the Art
The Roundhouse
Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra
The Games Music: State of the Art day concludes in spectacular style with a concert by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra playing music from some of the most iconic and popular Games available, including Assassin’s Creed, Baldur’s Gate 3, Star Wars Jedi Survivor, Indiana Jones, Metal Gear Solid and Battlefield 2042, introduced by the composers themselves.
Monday 24 March 2025
Talk: Music in Prime Time – A History of TV Themes and Scoring
Venue TBC
LSF host Jon Burlingame, one of the most respected writers on film and TV music in the world, discusses his book ‘Music for Prime Time’ with LSF Artistic Director, Tommy Pearson.
Masterclass: Paul Farrer
Venue TBC
Paul Farrer, who has written some of the most recognisable themes on TV, including The Chase, Weakest Link, The Wheel and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, reveals his composing and production process.
Tuesday 25 March 2025
Masterclass: Natalie Holt
Venue TBC
Multi-award-winning composer Natalie Holt reveals her process behind creating scores for TV hits Loki and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Concert: Anne Dudley and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra
The Roundhouse
Anne Dudley | Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra
Oscar-winning composer Anne Dudley presents an exclusive night of great movie songs and music, backed by an orchestra and featuring very special guest vocalists
Wednesday 26 March
Pre-concert talk: Hildur Guðnadóttir In Conversation
Queen Elizabeth Hall
The Oscar-winning composer talks to Jon Burlingame about her career, influences, inspirations and the concert she has curated especially for LSF.
Concert: Hildur Guðnadóttir In Concert
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Hildur Guðnadóttir | London Contemporary Orchestra | Conductor: Robert Ames
Oscar-winning composer Hildur Guðnadóttir (Joker) presents a concert of her film and TV music alongside her influences and inspirations.
Further events to be announced
About London Soundtrack Festival
The London Soundtrack Festival has been created to reflect the ever-increasing interest and enthusiasm for film, TV and games music and to acknowledge that London is one of the most important centres for soundtracks in the world, with its legendary studios, musicians, facilities and leading creative artists from across all music disciplines.
Founded by concert producer, broadcaster and musician Tommy Pearson, the annual festival will feature major names in the Film, TV and Games music industry, alongside the best orchestras and iconic venues across the capital. We aim to be an unmissable date in the diary for all fans and concert-goers young and old, bringing the best music and performers to a wide audience with a packed programme of concerts, screenings, masterclasses and Q&As.
The London Soundtrack Festival is inspired by the life and music of our friend Christopher Gunning, the multi-award-winning composer best known for his music on TV and film, including the iconic theme to ITV’s Poirot (starring David Suchet) as well as his Bafta-winning score to the movie La Vie En Rose and famous ad campaigns for Martini and Black Magic. Following his untimely death in March 2023, Chris’s widow Sveta asked Tommy Pearson to create a festival that would match Chris’s extraordinary talent, skill and his infectious, enthusiastic spirit. In his honour, each year we present the Gunning Inspiration Award to a figure in the industry who has made a lasting impact on music with distinction and craft.
The London Soundtrack Festival is proud to present the festival in collaboration with the BFI.
About BFI
We are a cultural charity, a National Lottery distributor, and the UK’s lead organisation for film and the moving image.
Our mission is:
- To support creativity and actively seek out the next generation of UK storytellers
- To grow and care for the BFI National Archive, the world’s largest film and television archive
- To offer the widest range of UK and international moving image culture through our programmes and festivals – delivered online and in venue
- To use our knowledge to educate and deepen public appreciation and understanding of film and the moving image
- To work with Government and industry to ensure the continued growth of the UK’s screen industries
Founded in 1933, the BFI is a registered charity governed by Royal Charter.
The BFI Board of Governors is chaired by Jay Hunt OBE.
About Tommy Pearson
Broadcaster, producer, director and musician, Tommy Pearson has been a familiar figure in the UK music world for nearly 30 years. After an early career as a percussionist and composer, Tommy became one of the busiest voices on BBC Radio, presenting most of Radio 3’s main strands, regularly appearing on Radio 4 and as a host of the BBC4 TV classical music coverage.
Film music has dominated his career, as concert producer, host and broadcaster. Tommy has produced and hosted concerts around the world and worked with most of the UK’s major orchestras. Highlights include “A Night Out With Sir Michael Caine” at the Royal Albert Hall with the LSO and special guests including Quincy Jones; and “Interstellar Live”, a ground-breaking screening of the film at the RAH with composer Hans Zimmer and orchestra playing the score live, plus a pre-concert talk introduced by Prof Stephen Hawking.
As onstage host, Tommy presented the RPO’s Film Music Gala at the RAH for 15 years and regularly appears with the RPO, CBSO, RLPO and LSO introducing film music. He has been a regular host of Classic FM’s ‘Saturday Night at the Movies’ and was creator/host of BBC Radio 3’s ‘Stage and Screen’. Tommy has hosted countless talks and events on film music, including BAFTA’s highly-regarded “Conversations with Screen Composers”, and is host of the annual World Soundtrack Awards in Belgium. In 2023 he started work as Artistic Director of the London Soundtrack Festival, a brand new annual event celebrating the art of film, TV and Games music which starts in March 2025.
Tommy’s production company Big Screen Live is one of the world’s leading producers of live film events. Tommy has produced ‘Independence Day Live’ and ‘Brassed Off’ (Royal Albert Hall), ‘North By Northwest’ (London Coliseum), ’Planet of the Apes’ and ‘The Great Escape’ (Royal Festival Hall) and ‘Touching the Void’ (Barbican), featuring the scores played live. Recent projects include the official ‘Downton Abbey – Live in Concert’, and ’The Piano – Live in Concert’. ’Scott of the Antarctic – Live’ with the Vaughan Williams score heard live and ‘The Death of Stalin’ featuring Christopher Willis’s score were both premiered by the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Tommy is proud of his long association with John Williams, who he has interviewed many times across 3 decades including for a special 80th birthday feature on Classic FM in 2012. Tommy has probably hosted more concerts of Williams’s music than anyone else in the world – nearly 100 and counting!
Tommy used to have spare time in which he would play timpani in various orchestras and ride his bike. But now he has twin boys aged 4.
[izvor informacije London Soundtrack Festival]
