The 25th annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) made waves in February with its extensive lineup, but Executive and Artistic Director Kenny Blank is not stopping there. To cap off a successful season, Blank decided to hold a special event later this year, drawing inspiration from a successful collaboration in 2010 with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO).
Back then, the AJFF and ASO hosted a concert featuring scores from classic Hollywood films, honoring the legacy of Jewish music in cinema. The concert proved to be a resounding success, and Blank is eager to bring it back for a 2025 encore.
On October 20, the AJFF 25th Gala Concert will take place at the Atlanta Symphony Hall. This year’s event, in collaboration with Turner Classic Movies (TCM), will present a fresh array of music, featuring a diverse selection of songs and scores.
Attendees can look forward to performances of iconic pieces such as Jerry Brock’s ‘Tradition’ from ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ Jule Styne’s ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade’ from ‘Funny Girl,’ Vangelis’s title track from ‘Chariots of Fire,’ and John Williams’ Oscar-winning score from ‘Schindler’s List.’
Kenny Blank aims to keep the program accessible for all audiences. He wants people to recognize that film scores and orchestral music are not solely reserved for a specific demographic.
“This music is something for all audiences, anyone who loves these iconic Hollywood films,” Blank emphasized.
He deliberately sought to ensure that the music featured at the concert doesn’t solely revolve around Holocaust-themed films or focus on one particular genre. Alongside the well-known scores, the concert will also include the jazz-influenced title track from John Kander and Fred Ebb’s ‘Cabaret,’ and the heartfelt ballad ‘Somewhere Out There’ from the animated movie ‘An American Tail.’
Moreover, a tribute to Mel Brooks and his longtime music collaborator, composer John Morris, will be an exciting highlight.
Comedy plays a crucial role in the landscape of Jewish cinema, and Blank recognizes Mel Brooks as a pivotal figure in this genre.
“Comedy is such a cornerstone of that [Jewish film] genre, and there is no greater artist in that genre than Mel Brooks,” Blank remarked, referencing Brooks’ ongoing legacy as he continues to work on projects like ‘Spaceballs 2’ at the impressive age of 99.
When it came to selecting the most representative score from Brooks’ extensive work, Blank faced a challenging decision. While music from ‘The Producers’ was a given, the concert will also feature the main theme from ‘Blazing Saddles,’ which Blank described as a “wonderfully politically correct film that could probably never get made today.”
As a curator, Blank wanted to include something lesser-known, ultimately selecting music from Brooks’ ‘High Anxiety’. He believes that this film is one of Brooks’ underrated classics, showcasing memorable scenes, lines, and music that humorously parodies Alfred Hitchcock’s style.
“Having some comedy mixed in with the heavier themes is important,” Blank explained.
The concert also recognizes the contributions of iconic Jewish filmmakers and composers throughout Hollywood’s history, such as Elmer Bernstein, whose ‘Suite from The Ten Commandments’ will be performed.
However, Blank is keen to note that even non-Jewish composers, such as John Williams, have significantly impacted film music and are duly acknowledged in the event. Williams’ theme from ‘Schindler’s List’ is particularly noteworthy and frequently performed in concert settings.
The annual AJFF is primarily dedicated to celebrating international independent films, but Blank and his team also strive to incorporate a classic Hollywood film each year to honor its anniversary. This concert provides a unique opportunity to further explore the organization’s affection for classic Hollywood films while celebrating those that do not make it into the festival’s regular lineup.
Ben Mankiewicz from TCM will host the event, bringing his depth of knowledge about film history and his signature Hollywood perspective to the program.
“He elevates the program,” Blank said. “His introductions will add rich context to the significance of the scores and his sense of humor enhances the experience.”
The concert will feature vocal performances by Brad Raymond, Deb Bowman, and Leigh Ellen Jones, supplementing the orchestral compositions. Additionally, the Temple Choir, directed by Cantor Tracey Scher, and the Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir, led by Minister of Worship and the Arts Patrice E. Turner, will join in to amplify these larger musical numbers.
Beyond the live performances, numerous artists have recorded special introductions for the films, including a surprise video from an iconic singer/actress that is sure to delight attendees.
The collaboration between the AJFF, the Woodruff Arts Center, ASO, and TCM underscores the AJFF’s position within Atlanta’s broader cultural landscape, facilitating a memorable event in partnership with two other esteemed institutions.
“We are joining forces with two other iconic institutions to create something really memorable,” Blank concluded. “What’s special about this is that I don’t know of any concert like this produced anywhere in the world. We’re the only ones I know of that did it before.”
The AJFF 25th Gala Concert is set to commence at 8 p.m. on October 20 at the Atlanta Symphony Hall.
Attendees can anticipate a captivating blend of music that celebrates the intersection of Jewish culture and cinema, crafted to enchant audiences from all walks of life.
image source from：artsatl
