Metropolis directed by Fritz Lang

Organ by Peter Krasinski

Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 7PM

The Riverside Church (490 Riverside Drive, NY)

Peter Krasinski, world-renowned organist and silent film accompanist, returns to The Riverside Church on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 7:00 PM for an extraordinary evening of visual and auditory artistry.

Prepare to be transported into the world of the 1927 silent film Metropolis, the grandparent of all science fiction movies, with a score improvised live on the Riverside organ. Metropolis (1927), directed by Fritz Lang, is a pioneering science fiction film set in a dystopian future. The city is divided into two classes: the wealthy elite who reside in luxurious skyscrapers above ground, and the oppressed workers who toil in dismal conditions underground to power the city. The story follows Freder, the privileged son of the city’s ruler, who becomes infatuated with Maria, a charismatic worker advocating for unity. When Freder discovers the harsh reality of the workers’ lives, he seeks to bridge the gap between the classes. His father, however, unveils a sinister plan to replace workers with machines. The film explores themes of industrialization, class struggle, and the consequences of unchecked power, all within a visually stunning and groundbreaking cinematic experience.

“Anyone who has been lucky enough to hear Mr. Krasinski in performance knows his skill at presenting the essence and power of a film. Tempos, dynamics and motivic ideas all combine to provide pacing, focus and depth to the film in ways that surpass our current sound films, a unique combination of sound and image, different with each performance, and illustrating the magic that can occur when a musical artist meets a film masterwork” 

-Roger Rideout

ARTISTS

Peter Edwin Krasinski, organist, is broadly recognized as a motivating consultant for the pipe organ community, and as a conductor, organist and music educator, whose imaginative and energetic performances elevate and inform audiences. Along with regular concert appearances he specializes in live improvised silent film accompaniment, worldwide. He has premiered the art in major venues in North America, Europe, and Asia. A distinguished pedagogue, he is the recipient of several prizes including the First Prize in Improvisation from the American Guild of Organists National Competition.

Past Dean of the Boston Chapter AGO, Mr. Krasinski is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, appears as organist and choir leader in the film THE HOLDOVERS, and was a vital contributor towards establishing an accurate portrayal for director Alexander Payne. He is Principal Organist at Mechanics Hall, Worcester, House Organist at the Providence Performing Arts Center, Organist at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Mission Church, Boston, and the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Providence RI as well as accompanist at Beth El Temple Center, Belmont. He holds both a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education and Organ Performance, and the Master of Sacred Music Degree from Boston University. www.krasinski.org

$20 | General Admission

$15 | Students & Seniors

https://www.trcnyc.org/event/metropolis