Silent Movie Night - Phantom of the Opera

First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan will be presenting part of our earliest cinematic history. On Friday, May 19th at 7:30pm, First Presbyterian Church will be showing the original 1925 silent film, Phantom of the Opera, with live improvised accompaniment on organ by Jackson Borges.

Silent films originally didn’t have talking or a soundtrack to help drive a storyline, the way we experience movies today. In the silent movie era, movies were shown in theaters or playhouses and were commonly accompanied by improvised accompaniment on piano, a Mighty Wurlitzer organ, or in larger venues or cities, a symphony orchestra. Experiencing a silent film with live accompaniment is unique as the interplay between film and music cannot be replicated. Organist, Jackson Borges will improvise music for Phantom of the Opera on First Presbyterian’s 52 rank Aeolian-Skinner organ. While it is a classical instrument used primarily for worship and concerts, Borges is a master of achieving that colorful symphonic sound. When asked what his favorite part of accompanying silent films is, he says “My favorite part of accompanying silent films is the freedom I have to bolster what is going on in the film, as well as creative freedom. I like to have themes for certain characters (for instance a love theme, a theme for the Phantom, which can be used for foreshadowing his entrance.) Not to mention that accompanying silent movies is a great window into history, and requires that the audience is more involved with the movie. The audience member engages his/her own creativity in filling in any gaps that may exist through the absence of spoken dialogue, providing a personal soundtrack to go along with what they are seeing and hearing.”

This exciting event is family-friendly, provided the children are slightly older as some scenes may be frightening for young ones. Admission at the door is $20. for adults and children 18 and under are free. Popcorn and drinks will be served!