THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA / ORCHESTRE SYMPHONIQUE DE MONTRÉAL OSM

Film by Rupert Julian (1925)
William O’Meara, organ
Screen projection of the film Phantom of the Opera with organ improvisation on the Grand Orgue Pierre-Béique.
The Phantom of the Opera has without question fascinated the public for over a century. Gaston Leroux was probably the first to tell this character’s story in his fantastical novel published in 1910, but there have also been numerous musicals, pop adaptations, a ballet and films based on this tale. One of these is the 1925 film directed by Rupert Julian, whose sound track will be provided by organist William O’Meara improvising on the spot. The organist’s interest in silent films is such that he has become a specialist in the nearly-forgotten art of accompanying them.