La Canada Presbyterian Church Concert to Feature Movies’ Sacred Music

Sacred music has been an integral part of movie soundtracks down through the years, including such films as “Amadeus,” “The Godfather,” “Titanic,” “Ben-Hur” and “Saving Private Ryan,” and the La Canada Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir and Orchestra will explore this aspect of Hollywood in a special concert, “Finding the Sacred (Music) in the Movies,” on Palm Sunday afternoon, March 20, at 2:00 p.m.

The multimedia program will include clips from the movies, sometimes with introductory dialogue, followed by the 100-member choir and orchestra performing the music live. “The resulting impact should be even greater than in the theater,” said Jack Lantz, LCPC’s director of music and worship arts, who will conduct the concert.

The classical music of Bach, Handel, Mozart, Verdi and Saint-Saens will be featured, as well as the work of movie composers John Williams and Miklos Rozsa.

“While it is logical that Mozart music would be used in the movie ‘Amadeus,’ few people might recognize the use of sacred music of other great composers in popular movies such as ‘Casino,’ ‘Babe,’ ‘Titanic’ and ‘The Godfather,’” Lantz said. “The list also includes lesser-known but very powerful movies such as ‘Disgrace’ and ‘Charlie Wilson’s War.’”

Tickets are $15 general admission, $20 reserved. They may be purchased in advance at the church office or at the door. LCPC is located at 626 Foothill Blvd. For further information, call (818) 790-6708.