What a score: The rise of cinema with live orchestras
As a new generation discovers soundtracks, and nostalgia drives rewatching favourite films, Eamonn Forde charts the growing popularity of movie and orchestra experiences
Feature By Eamonn Forde | 11 May 2026
Live musical accompaniment for films is nothing new. In the silent movie era, a pianist or organist would play along in the theatre as the film was projected onto the screen.
It was considered essential because music’s power to convey emotion – drama, danger, love, loss, heartbreak, comedy – was arguably greater than moving pictures’ power to communicate the same on its own. Music elevated the moving image to something more profound.
Today, things have come full circle, but are much…
This premium content is available to subscribers only.
Subscribe now to unlock unlimited access to all of our magazine content, annual reports, contact directories and more
