Broomfield Symphony to showcase not-so-silent films

Mar. 30—The Broomfield Symphony is partnering with Rodney Sauer of the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra to present a one-of-a-kind event.

In the late 1800s, the world was introduced to a new and exciting form of media: the film. After years of development from things like "magic lantern" light projectors, moving pictures were finally able to be presented to the public.

Although these early films did not have sound, showings were accompanied by lectures, audience participation and live music. Symphonies, bands or ensembles would sit in the pit below the stage and accompany the otherwise silent films.

This month, the Broomfield Symphony aims to bring back that hundred-year-old tradition.

The event, which will take place April 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Broomfield Auditorium, will showcase two Buster Keaton classics "One Week" and "Sherlock Jr." Keaton was an actor and filmmaker known for his silent films in the 1920s.

Both films will be presented for the audience with the Broomfield Symphony and the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra playing live accompaniment.

In the film "One Week," Keaton and his co-star Sybil Seely play a newlywed couple that receive a "build it yourself" house as a wedding gift. Complications ensue, leading to unexpected results.

In "Sherlock Jr.," Keaton plays a theater projectionist and janitor who dreams of becoming a famous detective. He spends the first half of the film trying to win the affections of his co-star Kathryn McGuire. In the second half, Keaton showcases his cinematic sleight of hand in a dream sequence, earning this film regard as one of the greatest films of the silent era.

Broomfield Symphony Music Director David Brussel explained that these events are planned years in advance, with careful consideration for a balance between variety and familiarity.

"I try to craft programs that cover the standard and not-so-standard repertoire," Brussel explained. His approach leads to a varied and exciting spread of concerts for the symphony.

Brussel has been with the symphony since 2009, and comes from a long career as a horn player with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

The event will feature Sauer of the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, which is a quintet dedicated to scoring silent films. The ensemble travels the country playing at various silent film festivals.

"Sauer is possibly the world's leading expert on music for silent movies," Brussel said. Sauer has scored more than 150 silent films, and collects silent film music, keeping copies and donating the originals to the University of Colorado's American Music Research Center.

Tickets can be purchased on the Broomfield Symphony website.