At the heart of the RCM’s weekend of chamber music performances are two centenary screenings of Charlie Chaplin’s masterpiece The Gold Rush, arranged by Timothy Brock for live chamber ensemble, in the Britten Theatre.
One of Chaplin’s most celebrated works, The Gold Rush is an exquisitely shot silent film released in 1925, then re-released in 1942 after Chaplin composed his own score to accompany the film. The RCM marks the film’s centenary with two screenings in which Chaplin’s music is performed live by a chamber ensemble of RCM musicians, conducted by Ben Palmer. With characteristic brilliance, The Gold Rush blends tragedy and comedy, Chaplin’s ‘Little Tramp’ persona exploring themes of poverty, longing and love.
The Chamber Festival also features RCM ensembles playing a spectacular range of repertoire, from Piano Trios to the Percussion Showcase, and from the String Quartet Platform to electronic innovation in Electric Dreams.
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