The General in cine-concert – March 23, 2023

Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) presents

Music and Film: The General in cine-concert

Set off on an adventure with Johnnie and Annabelle aboard the locomotive The General as it crosses the United States during the Civil War. This 1926 silent film starring Buster Keaton and Marion Mack will feature live improvisation at the organ by James Kennerley.

Hailed as “a great organist” displaying “phenomenal technique and sheer musicality” (Bloomberg News), James Kennerley is a multi-faceted musician, working as a conductor, keyboardist, singer, and composer. His performances are known for their illustrious flair and thrilling virtuosity, subtlety and finesse, drawing on the full resources of the instrument. James’ YouTube performances have enjoyed worldwide popularity and millions of views globally.

Since September 2019 he has been Director of Music at Saint Paul’s Church and Choir School in Harvard Square, Cambridge MA, directing the choir of boy choristers and professional men in daily performances, regular concert tours, recordings, and broadcasts. Saint Paul’s Choir School has a long and enviable legacy as one of the most significant centers of organ and choral music in the US and maintains close links with Harvard University; James is just the fourth incumbent since the institution’s founding.

A native of the United Kingdom, Mr. Kennerley was previously Organist and Choirmaster at Saint Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church, New York City from 2013-2019. There he directed the professional choir and coordinated the church’s extensive concert series. From 2008 he held a similar position at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Times Square. He is also part of a team of musicians at Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City, one of the foremost centers of Jewish music and liturgy in the world.

Mr. Kennerley holds degrees from Cambridge University and The Juilliard School. He has studied the organ with David Sanger, Thomas Trotter and McNeil Robinson, and harpsichord with Kenneth Weiss, Peter Sykes, and Richard Egarr. He holds the prestigious Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists diploma.

Film The General (1926) directed by Buster Keaton
95 minutes

Maison symphonique
Original in English with French subtitles

Post concert Talk
Hosted by: Jean-Willy Kunz
Guests: James Kennerley

To purchase your tickets visit: www.placedesarts.com