Concert - Legendary Tribute Concert to Honor Iconic Artist Bob Peak at Walt Disney Concert Hall

By Mulder, 05 june 2024

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is set to host an extraordinary tribute concert honoring the legendary artist Bob Peak on June 14. This event, organized by the Abu Dhabi Festival in collaboration with Robert Townson Productions, promises a captivating fusion of visual art and orchestral music, celebrating Peak's immense contributions to the world of art and cinema.

Renowned composers will premiere original concert suites inspired by Bob Peak's iconic works, making this a landmark event. The concert will feature the Los Angeles Film Orchestra under the masterful direction of Maestro Leonard Slatkin, delivering a performance that intertwines Peak's striking visual artwork with some of the most beloved film scores in cinematic history.

The first half of the concert will spotlight legendary scores from classic films, with Peak’s artwork projected to complement the music. Attendees will be treated to performances of:

Leonard Bernstein's powerful score for West Side Story
Frederick Loewe’s enchanting compositions for My Fair Lady and Camelot
Richard Wagner’s dramatic “Ride of The Valkyries” from Apocalypse Now
Jerry Goldsmith’s epic themes from Star Trek: The Motion Picture
John Williams’ heroic score for Superman: The Movie
The second half of the evening will feature the world premiere of new compositions inspired by Bob Peak’s paintings. These works, created by contemporary composers, will highlight Peak’s versatility and influence across different mediums. Notable pieces include:

Maria Newman's Rhapsody for a Golden Age: 1937 Academy Players Directory
Mychael Danna's moving tribute Mother Teresa, Time Magazine cover portrait
Harry Gregson-Williams’ evocative Two Girls with Sparklers
Michael Abels’ stirring Unbound: Jesse Owens 1936 Olympics - Golden Moments Book
Marc Shaiman's elegant Audrey Hepburn
Bill Conti’s majestic Great Bridge, New York. 1983 – 100th Anniversary Brooklyn Bridge

Bob Peak, an award-winning American illustrator, is revered for his revolutionary approach to movie poster design. His artwork has graced posters for iconic films such as West Side Story, Camelot, My Fair Lady, Hair, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Apocalypse Now, and Silverado. Beyond his film work, Peak's portfolio includes celebrated paintings of prominent figures like Anwar Sadat, Mother Teresa, and Marlon Brando, many of which are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection. Throughout his illustrious career, Peak received 150 awards and was inducted into the Society of Illustrators’ Hall of Fame.

This tribute concert is not just a celebration of Bob Peak’s artistic legacy, but also a testament to the enduring power of his work to inspire new artistic creations. The event is co-produced by Robert Townson Productions, known for its vast contributions to film music, and the Abu Dhabi Festival, which continues to bridge cultural divides through artistic endeavors.

The Abu Dhabi Festival, under the visionary leadership of Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, has a history of fostering cultural dialogue through the arts. This concert follows their previous collaboration with Robert Townson Productions on Symphony of Three: Peace – Love – Tolerance, which celebrated the opening of The Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. Her Excellency has expressed her excitement for this tribute, highlighting the unique contributions of each composer as they engage with Peak’s artistry.

Leonard Slatkin, the evening's conductor, is internationally acclaimed, with a career that spans several decades and includes six Grammy awards and 35 nominations. His expertise and passion for music promise to bring an extraordinary depth to the evening's performances.

The Los Angeles Film Orchestra, consisting of Hollywood's leading studio and concert musicians, is renowned for its work on blockbuster films, award-winning TV shows, and video games. Their participation in this event underscores the concert's high caliber and the significance of Peak’s legacy in the entertainment industry.

Tickets for this historic tribute concert are now available for purchase. For more information on attending the event or scheduling interviews with the participating composers, please visit the official event page. Join us for an unforgettable evening that honors the artistic genius of Bob Peak and celebrates the ongoing dialogue between visual art and music.

(Source : press release)