Krakow goes 007 at film music fest
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
27.09.2014 12:55
Spanish conductor Diego Navarro took the baton at a bumper concert of James Bond themes on Friday night at Krakow's 7th Film Music Festival.
Spanish singer Esther Ovejero accompanies the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra at the ''Best of Bond' concert during the 7th Film Music Festival at the Krakow Arena. Photo: PAP/Jacek Bednarczyk
The concert, which was held at the newly built Krakow Arena, was one of the most eagerly awaited events of this year's festival.
The set-list was picked by listeners of the RMF Classic radio station, and the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra performed the themes with help from special guest singers including Esther Ovejero (Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever) and Aga Zaryan (You Only Live Twice, License to Kill).
Photo: PAP/Jacek Bednarczyk
Besides the inimitable James Bond theme itself, the Krakow Philharmonic soared through pieces from 20 of the 25 007 movies.
The late composer John Barry had by far the biggest sonic influence on the James Bond franchise, scoring six of the Sean Connery Bond movies, as well as four of Roger Moore's.
Other notable collaborators include Beatles producer George Martin, who joined forces with his former protege Paul McCartney on 1973's Live and Let Die.
In recent years, David Arnold took up Barry's mantle, scoring three of the Piers Brosnan movies and two of Daniel Craig's.
On Saturday evening, the festival is laying on a special screening of Ridley Scott's The Gladiator, with live orchestral accompaniment.
The 7th Film Music Festival runs until 28 September. (nh)