Carl Davis conductor
The Rink
Modern Times

Charlie Chaplin’s film ‘Modern Times’ is considered one of his greatest achievements; the Philharmonia is therefore delighted to present the film this evening with live music conducted by Carl Davis.

The film shows Chaplin’s iconic ‘Little Tramp’ character against the backdrop of the industrialised world of the Great Depression: scenes move from an assembly line to a prison to a factory to a café, and although the film contains Chaplin’s slapstick humour it is also a comment on the employment conditions of the time.

The original score was composed by Chaplin himself and the ‘romance’ theme has become one of the most well-known songs of the century, first recorded by Nat King Cole; Davis's adaption of the score for live performance sits alongside his own score for ‘The Rink’.

6.15pm Free pre-concert talk
Conductor and composer Carl Davis in conversation with John Florance