Latest news with #TheGodfatherLive
![[Watch] When Cinema Meets Symphony: Why The Godfather Still Commands Respect](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.therakyatpost.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F06%2FUntitled-1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[Watch] When Cinema Meets Symphony: Why The Godfather Still Commands Respect](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ftherakyatpost.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Rakyat Post
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rakyat Post
[Watch] When Cinema Meets Symphony: Why The Godfather Still Commands Respect
Subscribe to our FREE In the world of film-to-concert adaptations, some movies whisper and others roar. According to Gerard Salonga, who will conduct the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra for The Godfather Live at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) this June, Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 masterpiece definitely belongs in the latter category. 'Art is seasonless, timeless,' Salonga told TRP, drawing parallels that span centuries and galaxies. Look at Star Wars from the 1970s—it's still incredibly popular among youngsters today. Beethoven's notes are 300 years old, and they still move people. The same can be said for any ideology or philosophy—if it's good, it will remain popular across generations.' The film, which may be over 50 years old, still retains its cultural impact undiminished. Salonga points to one of cinema's most famous moments of protest: 'Marlon Brando won the Oscar and rejected it. Art doesn't age—it evolves, it provokes, it endures.' The Score That Made History This enduring power is evident in the film's continued recognition. The Godfather was named the greatest film ever made by Empire magazine in 2008, a distinction also awarded by Entertainment Weekly and Metacritic. It came second in Sight & Sound's prestigious 2002 list and Time Out's 2003 readers' poll, and currently sits at number two on IMDb's all-time rankings. The film's immortality isn't just about Coppola's direction or Brando's performance—it's deeply rooted in Nino Rota's iconic score. The Italian composer, who achieved international acclaim in the 1950s and '60s for his work with Federico Fellini (La Dolce Vita, 8½) and Luchino Visconti (The Leopard, White Nights), created what the 'There is little film music as instantly recognisable as Nino Rota's opening music played on trumpet,' says Justin Freer, the CineConcerts founder and producer behind The Godfather Live. That haunting main theme, with its blend of traditional Italian folk music and jazz elements, takes on an entirely different quality when experienced live. The Art of Orchestral Restraint This enduring power shapes how Salonga approaches different film concerts. Unlike the interactive energy of a Harry Potter screening—where audiences gleefully shout out their Hogwarts houses—The Godfather demands a different kind of respect. 'Some film concerts don't require the conductor to say anything, but with Harry Potter, yes, it's fun to let the audience express themselves,' he explains. But The Godfather is an intense kind of film. The appropriateness of a conductor speaking to the audience depends on the material's appropriateness. The MPO has mastered this delicate balance over the years. Since their first film concert with Psycho in 2010, they've presented everything from Casablanca (2015) and Raiders of the Lost Ark (2019) to recent successes like Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2024) and the upcoming La La Land in Concert (2025). Each requires its own approach, its own level of audience engagement. Beyond the Usual Orchestra What makes this particular concert special goes beyond the film's gravitas. Salonga reveals that the orchestra will feature instruments rarely heard in traditional symphonic settings. We'll have mandolin and accordion in The Godfather orchestra, which don't always appear in orchestras. These additions aren't mere novelties—they're essential to capturing Rota's authentic Italian flavour. It's this attention to detail that transforms a simple movie screening into something approaching a religious experience for cinema lovers. Salonga sits alone in the magnificent DFP, surrounded by the venue's distinctive warm wood panelling and tiered red seating. The conductor prepares for The Godfather Live, where he'll lead the MPO in bringing Nino Rota's iconic score to life beneath the hall's soaring acoustic ceiling. (Pix: Fernando Fong) A Global Vision Salonga's vision extends far beyond Hollywood classics. He mentions recent successes, such as Bollywood films performed at London's Royal Albert Hall, and hints at untapped potential. There's a famous Chinese-language film we're hoping we can do here. P. Ramlee movies too, perhaps—hopefully that's something we can take off. The idea of hearing Tan Sri P. Ramlee's beloved compositions performed by a full orchestra while watching classics like Bujang Lapok or Do Re Mi on the big screen suggests an exciting future for Malaysian cinema-orchestra collaborations. This global approach reflects CineConcerts' extensive reach—the company will engage over 4.8 million people worldwide in more than 3,000 performances across 48 countries through 2025, working with prestigious orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony and the London Philharmonic. Perfect for the Godfather Faithful For those who know every line of Vito Corleone's wisdom, who can quote Sonny's temper tantrums, and who still get chills during the baptism sequence, this cinema-orchestra experience offers something unprecedented: the chance to experience a familiar masterpiece through entirely new senses. The format is perfect for Godfather devotees—the complete film shown in high definition while the live orchestra breathes new life into every musical moment, from that haunting trumpet theme to the subtle jazz undertones that underscore the family's moral complexity. As Freer puts it: 'The marriage of these two masterpieces on stage live at DFP will be a visual and aural treat like nothing else.' Some art transcends its original medium. The Godfather Live isn't just a concert or a movie screening—it's proof that when something is crafted with enough care and truth, it becomes immortal. The Godfather Live performs at DFP on 14 June at 8:00 PM. Tickets range from RM298 to RM648, available at Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
The Star
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
‘The Godfather Live' concert in KL promises visual, aural feast
GROWING up, Gerard Salonga saw his father's admiration for The Godfather, a novel that chronicles a fictional crime family in New York City. But, it was not until his teenage years, when he watched the iconic film adaptation of the book, that he truly connected with the story. Now serving as resident conductor with Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), Salonga is thrilled to bring The Godfather Live concert to our shores. With the movie projected on a big screen, the MPO will perform the score live at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) in Kuala Lumpur. In an interview at the venue, Salonga shared his vision and preparations for the concert which will be held at 8pm on June 14. Salonga says music is the unseen character which keeps the audience engaged. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star 'I've done lots of film concerts and my approach has always been the same – to understand how the music fleshes out the characters. 'Music is the unseen character which keeps the audience engaged and drives their emotions,' he added. Salonga said many MPO musicians were thrilled upon learning about The Godfather-themed concert. 'Some messaged me to ask when they would be able to get the score to start practising. 'Some works of art transcend time; they remain relevant forever. 'The Godfather delves into issues like power and abuse, which are relevant even today.' he added. Salonga, who recently conducted MPO's La La Land in concert, said film concerts could connect newer fans with classic movies. Likewise, he said such concerts could also introduce orchestral music to wider audiences. Conductor and producer Justin Freer, in a statement, promised an exhilarating evening. 'There is not much film music as instantly recognisable as Nino Rota's work in The Godfather. 'And, there are only a handful of films as masterfully made. 'The marriage of these two masterpieces live at DFP will be a visual and aural feast,' he said. Tickets are priced between RM298 to RM648, and available at or DFP Box Office. Tickets are inclusive of light refreshments. For details, call 03-2331 7007.
New Straits Times
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: MPO brings epic 'Godfather' score live
For the first time, director Francis Ford Coppola's cinematic masterpiece will be presented as "The Godfather Live" by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) on June 14. The special two-hour concert at the prestigious Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) in Kuala Lumpur will start at 8pm. A winner of three Academy Awards and countless other accolades, 'The Godfather' remains one of cinema's greatest films. Its enduring appeal is largely due to Nino Rota's iconic score, which, combined with traditional Italian folk music, is instantly recognisable to moviegoers worldwide. Under the baton of Gerard Salonga, the MPO will perform the iconic "mafia" movie's complete score live, synchronised with the film shown in high definition on a large screen. 'Godfather Live' conductor and producer Justin Freer, in a recent statement, said: "It is with great excitement that we are able to bring this masterful score and film to Dewan Filharmonik Petronas. "That we are able to preserve and present some of the most cherished music in the history of our craft is both exhilarating and humbling." He added: "There is little film music as instantly recognisable as Nino Rota's opening music played on trumpet, and only a handful of films as masterfully made as 'The Godfather'. "The marriage of these two masterpieces on stage live will be a visual and aural treat like nothing else." 'THE GREATEST FILM EVER MADE' 'The Godfather', released by Paramount Pictures in 1972, tells the story of the Corleones and their rivalry with other New York crime families between 1945 and 1955. The head of the crime family, Vito (played by Marlon Brando), hands over the reins of power to his youngest son Michael (Al Pacino), who is reluctant to "get dirty with work". Michael, however, learns the ropes fast and soon becomes a capable heir to his father. The movie, which also starred James Caan, John Cazale, Robert Duvall and Diane Keaton, won three Academy Awards – including Best Picture and Best Actor (Brando) – and solidified Coppola's reputation as being among the "New Hollywood" directors who revolutionised the industry from the late 1960s onwards. In 2008, 'Empire' magazine proclaimed 'The Godfather' the greatest film ever made, with 'Entertainment Weekly' and 'Metacritic' a also awarding it the esteemed distinction. It placed second in Sight & Sound's 2002 list and Time Out's 2003 readers' poll, and currently holds the number two spot on IMDb's all-time list. Composer Rota gained international recognition in the 1950s and 1960s for his collaborations with renowned Italian directors Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti. His music for 'The Godfather', including its immortal 'Love Theme From The Godfather', was ranked No. 5 in the American Film Institute's list of the greatest scores ever written. "We are proud to embrace the evolution of live experience. We hope that this concert honours the many talented musicians that bring the music of the movies to life, while giving everyone the ability to relive one of the great masterpieces in cinema," Freer said. NO STRANGER TO FILM CONCERTS In a recent interview, Salonga said: "The Godfather Live is not a first for the MPO. There have already been quite a few film concerts presented by the MPO at DFP, and I have conducted quite a few as well, the first being 'Ratatouille' in 2016." The best-known film concerts involving the MPO include 'Psycho' (2010), 'Home Alone' (2014), 'Casablanca' (2015), 'Ratatouille' (2016), 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark' (2019), 'Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone' (2024), 'Avatar – The Last Airbender' (2024), 'Harry Potter And The Chamber of Secrets' (2025) and 'La La Land In Concert' (2025). "We chose 'The Godfather' because it is a major achievement in cinematic history, the music is memorable and so closely associated with the subject of the film "On a personal note I am a fan, and I had the original novel in my house when I was a kid," Salonga said. He added that Michael Corleone played by Al Pacino was his favourite character in the movie. "I have always been an admirer of Pacino and the character of Michael is complex and human. "As for the movie score, it has always been on my bucket list, so I'm looking forward to hearing the MPO perform the iconic main theme from the film, as well as the trumpet solo." A RESTAGING ON THE HORIZON There will be approximately 60 musicians in the MPO this time, and 'The Godfather Live' may be restaged by popular demand. "Prior to this, we've restaged a few other concerts," said Salonga, whose favourite score at DFP is a toss-up between 'Harry Potter' and 'Ratatouille'. "Ratatouille has a beautiful score by Michael Giacchino, and it is memorable to me personally because that was the first concert I conducted with the MPO. Salonga also hopes to conduct scores from other cinematic classics, including 'Star Wars', the remaining Harry Potter films, 'Gladiator', 'Amadeus', 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'Jurassic Park'. "More and more films are being released as concerts with live orchestras, including 'Top Gun'!" he said. The MPO also has plans to perform 'The Godfather Live' outside Kuala Lumpur. "It would be nice for us, the MPO, to once again perform for more Malaysians, whether classical repertoire or a film concert. "The orchestra belongs to Malaysians and everyone should be able to enjoy an MPO performance," Salonga added.
