LOUIS: A SILENT MOVIE WITH LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT BY WYNTON MARSALIS & CECILE LICAD

Louis: A Silent Movie with Live Accompaniment by Wynton Marsalis and Cecile Licad is a captivating blend of vintage cinema and contemporary musical brilliance. This unique event features a silent film about Louis Armstrong, a pivotal figure in jazz history, brought to life with a live score composed and performed by the renowned jazz musician Wynton Marsalis and a 10-piece all-star jazz ensemble. Virtuoso pianist Cecile Licad will play the music of 19th century American composer L.M. Gottschalk.

Directed by Dan Pritzker and shot in beautiful sepia tones by Academy Award-winning cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond as a modern reimagining of early silent film, Louis (originally released in 2010) is an homage to Louis Armstrong and the birth of American music. The grand alleys and cemeteries of 1907 New Orleans provide a backdrop of magic for 6-year-old Louis as he navigates the colorful intricacies of life in the city and acquires his first cornet.  

“The idea of writing music to a silent film telling the tale of a young Louis Armstrong really appealed to me,” says Marsalis. “Of course, calling it a silent film is a misnomer — there is plenty of music, and jazz is like a conversation between the players so there’s no shortage of dialogue. The score moves between my music and the music of Louis Moreau Gottschalk. The contrast between Gottschalk’s music and jazz can be a revelation to those unfamiliar with either, or both.”

Winner of nine Grammy awards and a Pulitzer Prize in music, Wynton Marsalis is one of the most outstanding jazz musicians and trumpeters of this–or any other–generation. A favorite among jazz musicians and audiences worldwide, he is a brilliant composer and a bandleader in the tradition of Duke Ellington, and the driving creative force behind Jazz at Lincoln Center’s creation and success. 

Hailed as “a pianist’s pianist” by The New Yorker, Cecile Licad captivates audiences worldwide with her dazzling virtuosity, interpretive depth, and fearless musical instinct, showcasing a remarkable artistry that spans a vast and diverse repertoire.

Don’t miss this nearly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Wynton Marsalis in this very special immersive experience. 

The film is rated “R” – Restricted (Some Sexual Content)