Here’s something you don’t get a chance to experience often.

Symphony Silicon Valley announced that in April it (along with SSV Chorale) plans to screen all three of the Lord of the Rings films with live orchestral accompaniment. Organizers say there will be “two cycles’, each featuring a dedicated day for one part of the trilogy: Day 1 – The Fellowship of the Ring; Day 2 – The Two Towers; and Day 3 – The Return of the King.

The score for the Oscar-winning LOTR soundtrack was composed by Howard Shore and helped give the films an epic feeling. Peter Jackson directed, and the series has won 17 Academy Awards.

“These premiere performances of Lord of the Rings are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The power of the Ring enhanced by the power of live music creates a unique experience for the fans of Lord of the Rings,” said Andrew Bales, General Director of Symphony Silicon Valley. “These are the only West Coast performances of this epic event and our musicians are thrilled to bring it to you.”

Here’s the juicy details of the setup:

  • Screening: in HD
  • Screen size: 48′ x 20′
  • On stage: 250 musicians and singers
  • Length of score: 1,200 pages
  • The entire performance will be played in sync with the film

Cycle 1 runs April 16-18, and Cycle 2 runs April 18-20. Performances take place at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts.

I fathom one more item on your bucket list is nearing completion.

San Francisco and Silicon Valley arts, theater, news, videosLord of the Rings Film Trilogy with Live Orchestra

Symphony Silicon Valley with SSV Chorale
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts

LOTR-Trilogy-San-Jose-Center-for-Performing-Arts

Lord of the Rings Cycle 1:

Thursday, April 16, 2015 7:00 pm The Fellowship of the Ring
Friday, April 17, 2015 7:00 pm The Two Towers
Saturday, April 18, 2015 7:00 pm The Return of the King

Lord of the Rings Cycle 2:
Saturday, April 18, 2015 1:00 pm The Fellowship of the Ring
Sunday, April 19, 2015 1:00 pm The Two Towers
Sunday, April 19, 2015 6:30 pm The Return of the King

Monica Turner
Contributor to Stark Insider for tech, the arts and All Things West Coast for over 10 years.