Boulder Symphony to Perform Sundance Film Scores

The concert will feature music from independent films like "Hereditary," "Minari," and "Us."

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Boulder Symphony is presenting a one-night concert called "Music Behind the Movies: The Sundance Film Festival" on February 1st. The program will include film scores from a range of independent dramas, documentaries, and horror movies that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, treating the music as standalone works rather than just background cues. Composers like Lesley Barber, Emile Mosseri, and Colin Stetson will attend the performance, and some will even join the orchestra live on stage.

Why it matters

This concert is part of Boulder's effort to establish itself as a film town, highlighting the emotional power of independent cinema's musical scores. By presenting these film soundtracks as the main event rather than just accompaniment, the Boulder Symphony aims to give the music the spotlight it deserves and allow the audience to experience it in a new way.

The details

The program includes music from films like "Manchester by the Sea," "Minari," "Hereditary," "The Reason I Jump," "The Deepest Breath," "Us," and "Reservoir Dogs." Composer Emile Mosseri, who earned an Oscar nomination for "Minari," will play piano during the premiere of an expanded suite from that film. Lesley Barber will also attend to represent her score for "Manchester by the Sea," which incorporates classical pieces like Handel's "Messiah" and Albinoni's "Adagio in G Minor." The concert will also feature the unsettling, texture-driven score for "Hereditary" by composer Colin Stetson.

  • The Boulder Symphony's "Music Behind the Movies: The Sundance Film Festival" concert will take place on February 1, 2026.
  • Sundance announced the move of the film festival to Boulder in the recent past.

The players

Boulder Symphony

A symphony orchestra based in Boulder, Colorado that is presenting the "Music Behind the Movies" concert.

Devin Patrick Hughes

The conductor and artistic director of the Boulder Symphony who wanted to highlight the emotional scores of independent films.

Michael Williams

The principal flutist of the Boulder Symphony who sees film music as another character in the story.

Emile Mosseri

A composer who earned an Academy Award nomination for his score to the film "Minari" and will perform with the Boulder Symphony.

Lesley Barber

A composer who will attend the concert to represent her score for the film "Manchester by the Sea."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've always thought of music in film as another character in the story. In this concert, we're focusing on that character without all of the visuals, which lets the audience imagine the story for themselves.”

— Michael Williams, Principal Flutist, Boulder Symphony (dailycamera.com)

“Many of these films have come and gone, and their scores haven't had much of a life beyond the screen. With soundtracks now having more of a standalone presence, this felt like a chance to bring that music forward again.”

— Devin Patrick Hughes, Conductor and Artistic Director, Boulder Symphony (dailycamera.com)

“In a movie theater, that kind of music can hit you subconsciously. But in a concert hall, it's immediate, physical. You can't separate yourself from it.”

— Devin Patrick Hughes, Conductor and Artistic Director, Boulder Symphony (dailycamera.com)

What’s next

Emile Mosseri will be writing new arrangements of his "Minari" score specifically for this Boulder Symphony concert.

The takeaway

This concert highlights how film scores can be appreciated as standalone works of art, beyond just serving as accompaniment to the visuals. By bringing these independent film soundtracks to the concert hall, the Boulder Symphony is giving them the legitimacy and spotlight they deserve, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the emotional power of the music.