Following the recent announcements that the Royal Albert Hall will host The Artist – Live in Concert, the venue’s popular film and live orchestra series, celebrating classic motion pictures with their scores performed live on stage, has added another UK première for 2014.
On May 27 and 28 2014, the blockbuster hit of 2000, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, receives the live in concert treatment celebrating Scott’s sword and sandals epic and Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard’s sweeping score which is still as popular now as it was 13 years ago.
Fans both old and new of the Academy Award winning film, will experience the Philharmonic Orchestra and Philharmonic Chorus, conducted by Justin Freer, bring the dramatic score to life within the walls of the Royal Albert Hall, whilst the film is simultaneously shown in high definition on the big screen. It seems only fitting that this UK première should be held at the Royal Albert Hall. Opened in 1871, its circular structure with a central arena was modelled on ancient Roman amphitheatres and the Roman Coliseum itself, where the epic battle scenes of the film take place, making this the perfect setting for fans to truly experience this unique cinematic event.
Gladiator is a 2000 epic historical drama directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi, Richard Harris and Oliver Reed (in his last film role). Crowe portrays the fictional character, loyal Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is betrayed when the emperor’s ambitious son, Commodus, murders his father and seizes the throne. Reduced to slavery, Maximus rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena to avenge the murder of his family and his emperor.
The film was a box office success, receiving positive reviews, and was credited with rekindling interest in the historical epic. The film was nominated for and won multiple awards, notably five Academy Awards in the 73rd Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe.
Jasper Hope, Chief Operating Officer at the Royal Albert Hall, said “What an incredible prospect to transport the arena of Ancient Rome’s Coliseum and the epic spectacle that is Gladiator to the stage of the Royal Albert Hall via an HD screening. Throw in one of the most popular movie soundtracks of all time performed live by 200 of London’s best musicians and even Commodus couldn’t fail but to give this a thumbs up”
Justin Freer, President and Producer of CineConcerts, said, “It is with great pleasure and excitement that we are able to bring Gladiator and its masterpiece music score to the Royal Albert Hall. Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard have created a truly lasting musical work of art. Ridley Scott’s vision is equally masterful and this film remains one of my favourites to this day. Reconstructing the score to present it live with the film in its entirety has been one of the extraordinary experiences in my career. I believe music for film is one of the most beautiful and important art forms that we as a people have had the pleasure to enjoy. That we are able to play only a small role in preserving and presenting this art in a live format is both humbling and exhilarating.”
This event is part of the Royal Albert Hall’s series in celebrating classic films with live orchestra. Over 100,000 people have now enjoyed sold out performances at the Hall of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Matrix, the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story, Disney’s Fantasia, Singin’ in the Rain and UK premières of Pixar in Concert on February 22nd 2014 and Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness on May 29th and 30th. The Hall looks to provide memorable visitor experiences for all and, as a charity, these own-promoted events form a part of its extensive public benefit remit.
Gladiator Live
Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 May 2014 at 7.30pm
Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP
Tickets £20 – £65 (booking fees apply)
Box Office 020 7589 8212
www.royalalberthall.com
For more information on CineConcerts please go to www.cineconcerts.com
Tickets are on-sale now. Please note this film is rated 15.
