With social distancing procedures still in place, Phoenix-based quintet RPM Orchestra will be hosting a virtual on-going series of classic silent films, accompanied by their music.
RPM Orchestra is a proto-industrial Americana quintet, a genre of music that uses experimental and harsh themes, that composes and performs original music to accompany silent films.
Beginning on April 12, RPM Orchestra live-streamed silent films on Facebook and featured original scores that were previously performed and recorded in front of live audiences.
The quintet featured Snow White (1916) with music that was performed and recorded at FilmBar Phoenix in 2016.
They have also performed and recorded scores at other venues like Phoenix Art Museum, Jerome Indie Film Festival and The Project Space.
Silent Movie Sunday’s Watch Party started because of the COVID-19 pandemic, as a way for viewers to watch silent films and interact with the band and other fans, from the comfort of their homes.
“(We wanted) to stay connected with our fans, and to bring our unique old-timey entertainment to silent film lovers online while on lockdown, no matter where they are,” Pete Petrisko, conductor of RPM Orchestra, said.
The quintet is also using this opportunity to feature scored films that haven’t been available online, including The Phantom of the Opera. They will also show their original silent film shorts trilogy, “Unspoken” / “Fever Broke at Five Past the Hour” / “Shine Turn”, which will be featured on Sunday, May 3.
RPM Orchestra has been scoring silent films since 2011; however, this is the first time the quintet has done something like this, and so far the response from their fans has been positive.
“Love the opening cover. Enjoying the score and the film. Such a different take on these classics,” Ed Mk, a Facebook commenter, said.
Despite the successful start, the band is still uncertain on if they will continue the watch parties if the COVID-19 pandemic persists.
“We haven’t figured out our next step yet, it may depend on when it’s safe for a five-piece band to get together again,” Petrisko said.
Petrisko said the band is “champing at the bit” and plans to discuss their future plans in late May when they have a better idea of “what’s possible in the emerging pandemic reality.”
The next watch party will be held on Sunday, April 26, and RPM Orchestra will be premiering The Phantom of the Opera.
To view the Silent Movie Sunday’s Watch Party screenings, follow RPM Orchestra on Facebook. Screenings will continue until May 3.
Contact the reporter at kcmatthe@asu.edu.
