Clint Eastwood Records Narration for Visions of America01/22/2009Peter Nero and the Philly Pops add filmmaker and actor as photo symphony narrator.
It was announced today that Academy Award-winning filmmaker and actor Clint Eastwood has recorded the narration track for Visions of America, the collaboration between famed Grammy Award-winning pianist/conductor Peter Nero, renowned Americana photographer Joseph Sohm, and Grammy Award-winning pianist/composer Roger Kellaway.
Visions of America paints a portrait of America by choreographing Sohm’s photographs to stirring traditional and new music performed by Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, resulting in a photo symphony that celebrates the sights and songs of democracy. With the world premiere taking place at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on January 25, 2009, five days after America inaugurated its new president, Visions of America is a post-inaugural celebration for the people that marks a unique time in the nation’s history.
Eastwood, best known for his anti-hero roles in film, has received five Academy Awards – twice as Best Director, twice as producer of the Best Picture, and as recipient of the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award. His recorded narration for Visions of America tracks the growth of the nation and provides the historic context for each Visions of America performance. Eastwood’s pre-recorded narration for the photo-symphony serves as the “voice of the photographer” in a rendition reminiscent of his noted role as photographer Robert Kincaid in the “Bridges of Madison County.”
Visions of America unfolds for audiences as a visual and musical journey through the 50 states over three musical-movements and 13 “Mosaics” (visualized-songs). Peter Nero, who is the founding music director of the Philly Pops, will conduct the world premiere that includes original music composed by Roger Kellaway to support Sohm’s stunning visuals. Kellaway, a fellow jazz pianist, has been friends with Nero for 50 years. Legendary lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman (best known for their Grammy and Academy Award-winning work with Barbra Streisand) collaborated with Kellaway on two new songs written specifically for this program and performed by 2008 Grammy Award-winning vocalist Patti Austin. The concert is preceded by a video introduction by Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell who acknowledges Peter Nero on the 30th anniversary of his Philly Pops.
Visions of America brings incredible talent to the Kimmel Center’s stage and will remind audiences of just how brightly the American spirit burns. The world premiere will be followed by performances on Wednesday, January 28, at 8 p.m.; Friday, January 30, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, January 31, at 3 p.m.; and Sunday, February 1, at 3 p.m. Tickets may be purchased through the Peter Nero and the Philly Pops Web site, www.phillypops.org, or by calling 215.893.1999.
Go back to news
2009-2010 Season News
Back to Top
2008-2009 Season News
Back to Top
2007-2008 Season News
Back to Top
2006-2007 Season News
Back to Top
2005-2006 Season News
Back to Top
2004-2005 Season News
Back to Top
