Written by Sason Bishope Parry
San Francisco
– Lights, Camera… Music! On the afternoon of Saturday, April 5th, the iconic Davies Symphony Hall transformed into a cinematic sanctuary, welcoming eager fans for a truly unforgettable movie concert experience. At the heart of it all was James Cameron’s epic period masterpiece, Titanic, a film that continues to stand the test of time and stir emotions across generations.
Winner of 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Titanic is more than just a film. It’s an experience! A sweeping tale of love, ambition, class conflict, and tragic loss set against one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters. And while many have seen the film countless times, experiencing it with the San Francisco Symphony performing James Horner’s Academy Award-winning score live was something entirely new. breathtaking, immersive, and deeply moving.
Under the baton of the incredibly talented conductor Sarah Hicks, the SF Symphony elevated Horner’s haunting and heroic compositions to dazzling new heights. Every note, every crescendo, every tender harmony was brought to life with exquisite precision and raw emotion. It was as though the music, so iconic and intertwined with the story, was being heard, and felt, for the very first time.
The narrative, of course, follows the doomed voyage of the RMS Titanic, the so-called “unsinkable” ship that met its fate after striking an iceberg, taking the lives of over 1,500 souls. But in Cameron’s lens, the tragedy is humanized through the powerful love story of Jack Dawson (played with boyish charm and intensity by a young Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose DeWitt Bukater (portrayed with elegance and strength by Kate Winslet). Their romance, born from the collision of two very different worlds, feels as real and as relevant as ever.
Adding an ethereal dimension to the performance was special guest vocalist Alice Zawadzki. With a voice that seems to echo from another time, her performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. Drawing from a rich musical tapestry that includes New Orleans jazz, gospel, classical training, and global folk traditions, Zawadzki’s vocals filled the hall with a delicate blend of passion and reverence, infusing the air with a soulful presence that moved many to tears.
Equally spellbinding were the contributions of the San Francisco Girls Chorus under the direction of Valérie Sainte-Agathe. Their harmonies added innocence and otherworldliness to the performance, beautifully enhancing the emotional resonance of the film. Then
there was Eric Rigler, whose haunting mastery of the Uilleann pipes and whistles elevated the score to divine territory. His performance was not just heard; it was felt deeply.
From the chilling strings of the opening scene to the tender piano themes that underscore Jack and Rose’s fleeting love, the SF Symphony delivered a sonic journey that transcended the screen. The film’s dramatic intermission gave the audience a moment to catch their breath, only to be swept back into the final act where heartbreak unfolds. As Jack sacrifices himself so Rose can survive, the sobs and sighs from the audience were audible. The pain of that moment, magnified by the live orchestra, was palpable.
And yet, despite the heartbreak, what lingered was not just the tragedy but the triumph of love, the reminder of life’s fragility, and the beauty of living fully in the present. The SF Symphony’s performance didn’t just complement the film; it amplified its emotional core, giving audiences an experience that was cinematic, symphonic, and spiritual all at once.
As I stepped out into the cool, glowing streets of San Francisco, the music still echoing in my mind, I couldn’t help but reflect on the film’s final message: “Make it count. Make each day count.” Indeed, Titanic reminds us that tomorrow is never promised, and love—pure and true—is the most powerful force of all. It was a perfect afternoon.
A beautiful performance. And a tribute worthy of James Cameron and the late, great James Horner.
For more information on upcoming SF Symphony events and movie concerts, visit www.sfsymphony.org.
