Hans Zimmer: Master of Movie Scores

By Micha Oostenbrink

In the world of film music, few names are more recognizable than Hans Zimmer. With a career spanning over 40 years, his compositions have been heard in blockbuster Hollywood hits such as Interstellar, Dune, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many more. For the first time ever, on October 4 & 5, your Edmonton Symphony Orchestra will perform an entire evening of his beloved music to kick off the 2023/24 season.

The German-born composer has been honoured with many awards for his work over the years, including two Oscars, four Grammys, and has received nominations for three Emmys and a Tony. Zimmer's musical style is known for his use of electronic sounds that perfectly blend with orchestral instrumentation. This technique creates an exciting, yet emotional sound that infuses energy into the stories on the big screen. Through this, he has mastered the art of scoring the most intense battle scenes to the quietest moments of serenity in some of the most admired films over the past several decades.

Starting his career in the 1970s working with bands, then partnering with English composer Stanley Myers on several films, Zimmer began to gain traction with his music for the 1988 movie Rain Man. Since the 1990s, his popularity as a composer has grown exponentially from the blockbusters he has scored, including Gladiator, Sherlock Holmes, Man of Steel, and many Disney and Dreamworks animated films.

Let your ESO take you on a journey through some of Zimmer’s most treasured film scores. From The Dark Knight to The Holiday, there will be something for every movie lover at this performance. Hollywood conductor Richard Kaufman will be joined by special guests – the Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton, Greenwood Singers, Samantha King, and your ESO’s own Principal Cello Rafael Hoekman – to help create an unforgettable evening for the whole family.

Hans Zimmer: Phenomenal Film Scores, powered by ATB Wealth, takes place on October 4 & 5 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are selling fast – get yours before they’re gone! Click here to purchase your tickets.