On the 17th of November 2008 we will celebrate the centenary of the first score specifically written for a film by a renowned composer. The famous Camille Saint Saëns (1835-1921) composed the music for the French film “The Assassination of the Duke of Guise” directed by André Calmettes and Charles Le Bargy, released in 1908. The score was originally written for 11 musicians. Within the framework of the EUROPEAN FILM MUSIC DAYS at the Cité de la Musique in Paris an exceptional cinemaconcert - faithful to the original version - will be performed at the beginning of THE FIRST FILM MUSIC TROPHIES on Friday the 14th of November 2008 at 7.30 pm.

The European Film Music Days, created on the occasion of the CENTENARY OF FILM MUSIC 1908-1909 / 2008-2009, have been selected as one of the events of the EUROPEAN CULTURAL SEASON taking place during the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union (July 1st-Dec 31st, 2008). Organised by FFACE (Federation of Film and Audiovisual Composers of Europe) in partnership with the Cité de la Musique Paris, this new European event is conceived as a cross-professional platform gathering around the creators other protagonists from the film and television sector, representatives from related political and cultural bodies as well as film lovers.

The targets of the European Film Music Days are to highlight the richness and diversity of the European music, to enhance the dialogue and to set up, confronted with recent cultural and economic challenges, new cooperation models between the various protagonists of the sector. 250 professionals from all over Europe are expected to attend these two days: Composers, film directors, screenwriters, producers, broadcasters, musicians, music publishers, agents, political and cultural key actors, festivals’ managers, film music experts, media. Future professionals, students, film music lovers and movie fans are also very welcome.

The FIRST FILM MUSIC TROPHIES will reward one composer, one director and one producer. The composer Patrick Doyle will be one of the honourable guests during this first edition. Here a selective filmography of his scores: Eragon, Harry Potter IV, A little princess, Dead Again, Carlito’s Way, Henry V...

1st European Film Music Days
14 -15th of November 2008
at the Cité de la Musique, Paris

More information [ here ]