As many of you are no doubt watching this year’s 86^th Academy Awards this evening, Rob Ford isn’t the only Toronto connection making his way down the glamorous red carpet.

Violinist and composer Owen Pallet is nominated for best original score with William Butler, of Montreal’s Arcade Fire, for their work on the Spike Jonze film, Her.

They are up against some stiff competition with John Williams (The Book Thief), Steven Price (Gravity), Alexandre Desplat (Philomena) and Thomas Newman (Saving Mr. Banks).

Since landing in Los Angeles last week, Owen reported his dinner experience with an impressive list of who’s who Hollywood film composers.

“I just had dinner with Charlie Fox, Thomas Newman, Randy Newman, Burt Bacharach, Alexandre Desplat, Steven Price and John Williams. They shared stories about ‘Crazy’ Bernard Herrmann, Nadia Boulanger, Gershwin and Hitchcock. It was amazing.”

Go Owen!

+++

You may remember last year, Owen brought his Violin Concerto to the Toronto Symphony New Creations Festival with the Finnish soloist Pekka Kuusisto.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Follow me

Michael Vincent

Michael Vincent is the Editor-in-chief Ludwig Van and CEO of Museland Media. He publishes regularly and writes occasionally. A specialist in digital media for over 15 years, he has worked as a senior editor and is a former freelance classical music critic for the Toronto Star. Michael holds a Doctorate in Music from the University of Toronto.

Follow me

Latest posts by Michael Vincent (see all)

• THE SCOOP | Royal Conservatory’s Dr. Peter Simon Awarded The Order Of Ontario - January 2, 2024
• THE SCOOP | Order of Canada Appointees Announced, Including Big Names From The Arts - December 29, 2023
• Ludwig Van Is Being Acquired By ZoomerMedia - June 12, 2023