E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL, complete film (including dialogue) with live orchestra performing the entire score.
A Bravo! Vail tradition continues! As dusk falls, watch this family-friendly magical sci-fi film on giant screens over the stage while John Williams’ enchanting, multiple award-winning score is performed live by The Philadelphia Orchestra.
$44 - $119
$28
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
Saturday
07:30 PM
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA
STÉPHANE DENÈVE, CONDUCTOR
E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL, complete film with live orchestra performing the entire score
E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL IN CONCERT: FILM WITH LIVE SCORE
E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL IN CONCERT: FILM WITH LIVE SCORE
Extra-terrestrials have been standard film fare since 1902, when French director Georges Méliès shot a bullet-shaped capsule containing a group of astronomers from an enormous cannon that landed in the eye of the Man in the Moon, where the earthmen encountered the underground dwelling Selenites, named for the Greek goddess of the moon. Le Voyage dans la Lune, silent, black-and-white, fourteen minutes long and brilliantly inventive, was enormously popular and established the science fiction genre that has lit countless movie screens around the world ever since.
Some of those films resonated deeply with the young Steven Spielberg, who started his directing career in 1974 (when he was 28) with The Sugarland Express and created an international sensation with Jaws in 1975 and Close Encounters of the Third Kind the following year. While he continued to become one of the most successful filmmakers of his generation—1941 (1979), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)—he harbored an idea about a movie rooted in his own childhood. A 1978 project titled Growing Up went nowhere, but another one soon after that, developed with screenwriter Melissa Mathison and called Night Skies, contained a subplot about a friendly alien abandoned on Earth. Spielberg did not make that movie, but he did ask Mathison to work the subplot into a full script. During eight weeks of intense collaboration, they created E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Spielberg called it “the best first draft I’ve ever read.” Academy Award voters would eventually agree and bestow an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay upon Mathison.
The screen character of E.T. was created by Italian special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi, who had designed the aliens for Close Encounters, by drawing on an early surrealist painting of his own showing figures with short legs, long necks and large eyes and photos of elderly people taken during The Great Depression; his facial design was collated from photos of Albert Einstein, Ernest Hemingway and Carl Sandburg. The various animatronics and costumes (worn by three little people) cost $1.5 million, more than 10% of the film’s total budget; a heavily made-up mime did the close-ups for E.T.’s hand movements. So convincing was the effect that the seven-year-old Drew Barrymore’s sobbing reaction when her film character thought E.T. had died was completely natural. Rambaldi won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
The audience at the Cannes Film Festival cheered for fifteen minutes when E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was premiered there in May 1982, and the film was a smash hit on its North American release the following month, garnering glowing reviews and earning back its entire $10.5 million budget in its first weekend. Within a year, it had surpassed Star Wars as the top-grossing film of all time, a record it held until Spielberg’s Jurassic Park a decade later. According to the fascinating movie-business web site thenumbers.com, E.T. has grossed $435 million in domestic box office receipts and $793 million in all in first-run and wide re-releases in 1985 and 2002; it returns for a 35th anniversary limited theatrical engagement in September 2017.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was nominated for nine Academy Awards and won four, including one for John Williams’ score. In American Film Institute polls, it was voted the 24th Greatest Film of All Time, the 6th Most Inspiring, the 14th Greatest Movie Score, and one of “Fifty Films You Should See by Age Fourteen.” It was selected for preservation by the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 1994 and, in 2012, for the movie’s 30th anniversary, Madame Tussauds unveiled wax likenesses of E.T. at many of its international locations.
When E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was re-released in 2002, New York Post critic Lou Lumenock wrote, “We now have the distance to see just how close to a flawless and utterly timeless a film Steven Spielberg and his collaborators crafted — one that transcended genres (sci-fi and kids’ movies) to become one of the greatest and most durable of American movies.” To which Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times added, “Seeing E.T. again reminds us of how much we’ve remained the same, how gratified we still are by a film that connects so beautifully to our sense of wonder and joy.”
PRODUCTION CREDITS E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in Concert is produced by Film Concerts Live!, a joint venture of IMG Artists, LLC and The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc. Producers: Steven A. Linder and Jamie Richardson Production Manager: Rob Stogsdill Production Coordinator: Rebekah Wood Worldwide Representation: IMG Artists, LLC Supervising Technical Director: Mike Runice Technical Director: Chris Szuberla Music Composed by John Williams Music Preparation: Jo Ann Kane Music Service Film Preparation for Concert Performance: Ramiro Belgardt Technical Consultant: Laura Gibson Sound Remixing for Concert Performance: Chace Audio by Deluxe The score for E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial has been adapted for live concert performance. With special thanks to: Universal Studios, Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, John Williams, David Newman, Chris Herzberger, Tamara Woolfork, Adrienne Crew, Darice Murphy, Mark Graham and the musicians and staff of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Bravo! Vail. www.filmconcertslive.com
Stéphane Denève is the Principal Guest Conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Stéphane Denève is currently in his sixth season as principal guest conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra. He spends multiple weeks each year with the ensemble, conducting subscription, tour, and summer concerts. Mr. Denève has become very well known to audiences at Verizon Hall, the Mann Center, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail, having appeared as guest conductor numerous times since making his debut in 2007. He has led more programs than any other guest conductor during that time period, in repertoire that has spanned more than 100 works, ranging from Classical through the contemporary, including presentations with dance, theater, film, and cirque performers.
He is also the Music Director of the Brussels Philharmonic and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and Director of the Centre for Future Orchestral Repertoire (CffOR). He has previously served as Chief Conductor of Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra (SWR) and Music Director of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Recognized internationally for the exceptional quality of his performances and programming, he regularly appears at major concert venues with the world’s greatest orchestras and soloists. He has a special affinity for the music of his native France and is a passionate advocate for music of the 21st century.
Recent engagements include appearances with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Orchestra Sinfonica dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Vienna Symphony, DSO Berlin, NHK Symphony, Munich Philharmonic, Orchestre National de France, Czech Philharmonic, and Rotterdam Philharmonic. In North America he made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2012 with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, with whom he has appeared several times both in Boston and at Tanglewood, and he regularly conducts The Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony and Toronto Symphony. He is also a popular guest at many of the US summer music festivals, including Bravo! Vail, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Hollywood Bowl, Blossom Music Festival, Festival Napa Valley, Grand Teton Music Festival, and Music Academy of the West.
He enjoys close relationships with many of the world’s leading solo artists, including Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Yo-Yo Ma, Nikolaj Znaider, James Ehnes, Leif Ove Andsnes, Leonidas Kavakos, Nicholas Angelich, Lang Lang, Frank Peter Zimmermann, Gil Shaham, Emanuel Ax, Renaud and Gautier Capuçon, Lars Vogt, Nikolai Lugansky, Paul Lewis, Joshua Bell, Hilary Hahn, and Augustin Hadelich.
In the field of opera, Stéphane Denève led a new production of Pelléas et Mélisande with the Netherlands Opera at the 2019 Holland Festival. Elsewhere, he has led productions at the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne Festival, La Scala, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Saito Kinen Festival, Gran Teatro de Liceu, La Monnaie, Deutsche Oper Am Rhein, and at the Opéra National de Paris.
As a recording artist, he has won critical acclaim for his recordings of the works of Poulenc, Debussy, Ravel, Roussel, Franck and Connesson. He is a triple winner of the Diapason d’Or of the Year, has been shortlisted for Gramophone’s Artist of the Year Award, and has won the prize for symphonic music at the International Classical Music Awards. His most recent releases include a live recording of Honegger’s Jeanne d’arc au bûcher with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and two discs of the works of Guillaume Connesson with the Brussels Philharmonic (the first of which was awarded the Diapason d’Or de l’année, Caecilia Award, and Classica Magazine’s CHOC of the Year).
A graduate and prize-winner of the Paris Conservatoire, Stéphane Denève worked closely in his early career with Sir Georg Solti, Georges Prêtre and Seiji Ozawa. A gifted communicator and educator, he is committed to inspiring the next generation of musicians and listeners, and has worked regularly with young people in programmes such as those of the Tanglewood Music Center, New World Symphony, the Colburn School, the European Union Youth Orchestra, and the Music Academy of the West.
Photo credit: Bart Dewaele
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Where are the orchestra concert performances held?
Bravo! Vail orchestral concerts take place at Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (GRFA) located at 530 S. Frontage Rd E Vail, CO 81657
What time do performances begin?
Concerts start promptly at 6:00PM (except for the movie screening which starts at 7:30PM). The GRFA lobby opens 90 minutes prior and gates open 60 minutes prior to performances. Give yourself plenty of time to park and get into the venue. Latecomers will be escorted by ushers at an appropriate interval.
Where do I park?
FREE concert parking is available at the Vail Parking Structure (241 South Frontage Road East, Vail) and the Lionshead Parking Structure (395 South Frontage Road West, Vail). A Town of Vail Special Event express bus provides continuous service from both parking structures to the GRFA before and after concerts. Limited $10 parking is available at Ford Park by the Tennis Center (500 South Frontage Rd). Additional $10 parking is available at the Vail Athletic/Soccer Field lot.
WALKING DIRECTIONS FROM THE VAIL VILLAGE PARKING STRUCTURE:
Via Gore Creek Trail: 15-minute scenic walk
1. Exit the parking garage by following the Pedestrian Exit signs towards “Vail Village” / “Golden Peak”
2. Turn left out of the parking garage onto East Meadow Drive and head east
3. At the end of the road turn right on Vail Valley Drive and cross the road
4. Turn left on the walking path before the bridge, following the street signs towards "Ford Park"
5. Continuing east, follow the walking path along Gore Creek until reaching the GRFA
Via Frontage Road: 15-minute walk
1. From the top level of the parking garage, exit onto the South Frontage Road
2. Turn right and follow the sidewalk east along the south side of the frontage road
3. Cross East Meadow Drive and continue east along the sidewalk
4. Turn right after passing The Wren at Vail on the right
5. Continue down the path down to the GRFA
How long do concerts last?
Concerts generally last 2 hours including intermission. Please call the box office 877.812.5700 for exact running times.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets, passes, and gift certificates may be ordered in the following ways:
1. Online: bravovail.org
2. By phone: 877.812.5700
3. In person: Bravo! Vail 2271 N Frontage Rd W Suite C, Vail, CO 81657
Bravo! Vail accepts American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards, cash, and checks. There is a $2 fee per ticket. Tickets are delivered by mail or email,or may be picked up at the Box Office.
What are the Box Office hours?
Bravo! Vail Box Office hours are Monday-Friday from 9AM to 4PM. During the Festival, hours include Saturday & Sunday from 10AM to 4PM. The Bravo! Vail Box Office can be reached at 877.812.5700.
The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater box office is open from 11AM until concert start time (5PM on days with no concerts) during the Festival. Tickets for upcoming performances may be purchased on-site at the GRFA before concerts and during intermission.
Where is the Will Call window?
Will Call tickets may be picked up at the Box Office located to the right of the main GRFA entrance lobby. The Box Office is open 11AM to concert start time during the Festival.
Does Bravo! Vail offer group pricing?
Discounts for groups of 15 or more are available for select concerts. Please call 970.827.4316 for more information.
What if I buy tickets and cannot attend?
Tickets are non-refundable. You may exchange your tickets ($7 fee per ticket) by calling the Box Office at 877.812.5700 up to 2 days before the concert. You may release your tickets or leave them for a friend at Will Call by calling the Box Office.
What if I misplace or forget to bring my tickets?
There is no charge to reprint tickets. Please call 877.812.5700 before 3PM on the day of the performance or allow extra time to request new tickets at the Will Call window.
Where are seating options for people with disabilities?
Per the American Disability Act (ADA), the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater is accessible to individuals with disabilities. ADA seating is available in Section 1 Row L and Section 4 Row O in all reserved seating zones and prices (Premium Aisle, Premium, Reserved, and Saver). A limited number of ADA General Admission Lawn seats are available for sale behind Section 2. You must have a designated ADA lawn seat ticket to sit in this area. By purchasing an ADA seat, you are stating that you require an ADA seat. If purchased fraudulently, you may be subject to relocation. If you need assistance purchasing ADA seating, please call the Box Office at 877.812.5700.
What if it rains?
Concerts take place rain or shine. The GRFA is an open-air venue. Refunds are not given due to weather unless a concert is canceled in its entirety with no performance rescheduled.
What should I wear?
There is no dress code for concerts. Please be prepared for rain and cooler temperatures.
What should I bring to the concert?
If you will be on the lawn, a blanket, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended. If rain is predicted, please bring appropriate rain gear. Food, commercially sealed non-alcoholic beverages, low-profile lawn chairs, and umbrellas are permitted at concerts. All backpacks, bags, purses, picnic baskets, and coolers will be checked upon entry.
The following articles are not allowed at the venue: cameras, audio/video recording devices, standard-height lawn chairs, baby strollers, alcoholic beverages, firearms, pets, smoking, skateboards, bicycles, scooters, and skates.
What food and beverages are available for purchase at the GRFA?
Concessions are offered for purchase inside the venue. Menu items include snacks, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. A full bar is also available. All major credit cards and cash are accepted for payment. If you have a pavilion seat, please eat prior to the concert or at intermission.
Are lawn chairs available to rent?
Low-profile lawn chairs are available at the GRFA to rent for $10. You may also rent a lawn chair with your lawn ticket purchase online or by calling the Bravo! Vail Box Office at 877.812.5700. To reserve a lawn chair in advance, please email ticketing@bravovail.org
What are some general rules of concert etiquette?
Please allow time for parking and seating. Concert attendees must silence all mobile devices prior to performances to not disrupt musicians and other patrons. Please limit conversations and other noisy activities during the performance. In the pavilion seating, we recommend eating prior to the concert or at intermission. Parental supervision is required for all children attending Bravo! Vail concerts.
What else should I know?
Vail’s high elevation requires adequate hydration and sun protection. Visitors from lower elevations may experience altitude sickness.
What if I lose something at the concert?
Check with the GRFA box office for lost items at intermission or call 970.748.8497.
What if I still have questions?