CINEMA IN CONCERT

Shawn Conner presents five reasons to see the China Broadcasting Film Symphony Orchestra:

1. Vancouver premiere

Founded in 1949, Beijing’s China Broadcasting Film Symphony Orchestra has recorded music for more than 2,000 films, TV dramas and documentaries. The 80-member orchestra has played sold-out concerts in more than 40 countries. The Jan. 12 concert marks the orchestra’s Vancouver premiere.

2. Here’s looking at you, kid

Led by conductor Pang Ka Pang, the CBFSO performs selections from movies such as Casablanca, Legends of the Fall, Pirates of the Caribbean, Braveheart, and Jurassic World. In total, the evening features compositions from five Oscar-winning composers, including Hans Zimmer, Ennio Morricone and James Horner. The concert will also include many works from Chinese cinema.

3. Massive screen

Along with the music, scenes from the respective films will be projected onto a massive screen.

4. Pang Ka Pang

Sources as varied as Austrian music critic Cinco Vicki and North Korea’s Minister of Culture An Tong-chun have praised the conductor. Star players include Zhiliang Hu, the lead saxophone player for the China National Opera House and Beijing Symphony Orchestra. Hu will perform the famed solo from Casablanca at Cinema in Concert. Special guest soloists from the local music community will also take part.

5. The outfits

In a promotional video, members of the CBFSO are dressed to the nines, including (for the female musicians) gorgeous silk dresses. The attire alone should make this a visual as well as aural treat.