Following the success of its first two iterations, Nosferatu (2021) and Metropolis (2022), Alessandro Pittorino’s beloved Halloween Silent Film Spectacular returns to Perth Concert Hall this October! The superstar organist, described by Limelight as a "virtuoso organist and a top-flight musician", will once again thrill audiences as he improvises the score to the 1920 silent film Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde on our grand 3000-pipe organ.
Alessandro Pittorino performs Metropolis, 2022 | Photography: Partografia Photography & Film
The film tells the story of a diligent doctor, portrayed by the brilliant John Barrymore, who descends into madness after developing a new formula designed to separate peoples’ “good” and “evil” sides. It is widely regarded as one of the best of many film adaptations of Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1986 novella, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and as one of the earliest American horror films.
There is perhaps no organist better suited to bring this Halloween classic to life than Perth’s own Alessandro Pittorino, who is known not only for his virtuosic command of the organ but also his innovative performances and bold, theatrical style. He is one of only a few Australian Masters graduates of the famed Juilliard School in New York City and has been praised for his “sensitive and transformative playing” and his ability to “inject energy and power” into his performances.
Alessandro Pittorino performs Metropolis, 2022 | Photography: Partografia Photography & Film
Playing music by ear is no small feat; making it up on the spot, and timing it with a film, in front of an audience full of excited music lovers and movie buffs is even more difficult. But Alessandro not only enjoys the challenge, he makes it look easy. Last year, when asked if he gets nervous before his Halloween concerts, he said:
“No, not at all – I actually find it incredibly freeing. The stage is my happy place. Years of listening, studying and performing so much music, paired with my own musical ideas and thoughts. This culminates in a most unique performance – a composition unfolding before your very ears.
Whilst this is undoubtedly the most raw form of musical expression, it is also one I feel very comfortable sharing with my audience and I look forward to taking them on a journey. My mind will be too focused on the task at hand to worry about nerves!”
Audience at Nosferatu, 2021 | Photography: Partografia Photography & Film
Alessandro’s mission with these concerts is to give audiences a true “once-in-a-lifetime” experience; something that can never be replicated, even by himself. Concert-goers can expect spine-tingling music, eerie visuals and of course, spectacular costumes. As always, Alessandro will be dressed for the occasion and he encourages his audiences to do the same, so break out your best costume and join us for this unforgettable evening of Halloween magic!
Don’t miss Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: A Halloween Silent Film Spectacular on Sunday 29 October, 6pm. Find tickets and more information.
