KSO Music Director Lucas Richman met Joseph Vitarelli, composer of the film's music, in a workshop Richman conducted.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Music Director Lucas Richman was in Hollywood, Calif. recently, conducting the score for the motion picture Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, starring Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine, Nim's Island).
The film tells the story Kit Kittredge, a resourceful 10-year-old girl whose bravery, compassion and determination help her solve a mystery that saves her family's home during the Great Depression. This is the first feature film based on the American Girl book series.
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl is set for release in theatres on Wednesday, July 2.
Maestro Richman is no stranger to the big screen. He has appeared on the recording podium for such films as the Academy Award nominated As Good As it Gets and The Village, Se7en, Breakdown, Anastasia and Face/Off. Richman also teaches an annual workshop in Los Angeles, "Conducting for the Film Composer," sponsored by Broadcast Music, Inc.
Joseph Vitarelli, composer of the Kit Kittredge music, participated in Richman's workshop a few years back and asked Richman to conduct the score. The music was recorded at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, Calif. on April 28 and 29. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will perform music from the movie at the 24th Annual Pilot Free Independence Day Concert at World's Fair Park on July 4.
"Being from Los Angeles and having worked extensively in the entertainment industry, I'm always delighted to return to work on quality projects such as this one," says Richman. "Joseph has written a score that beautifully supports the terrific performances on screen--I felt my eyes well up several times during the recording of the score."
Richman recently completed his fifth year as music director of the Knoxville Symphony Society. He comes to Knoxville from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra where he was resident and assistant conductor from 1998 through 2004.
Richman is also a respected leader in the field of planning and conducting concerts for young people and an accomplished composer. His music has been performed by more than 200 orchestras in the last 10 years.
For more information regarding the KSO, or Richman, call 865-521-2317 or visit www.knoxvillesymphony.com.
