Brevard – Each summer, at the edge of the Blue Ridge, something cinematic comes to life. On July 26, Brevard Music Center’s beloved Movie Night returns with *Jurassic Park in Concert*—a full screening of the iconic film accompanied live by an orchestra.
The performance takes place in Brevard’s Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium, a 1,800-seat open-air venue that combines the grandeur of a concert hall with the beauty of the outdoors. Audiences seated under the sweeping roof are joined by hundreds more on the surrounding lawn, where families spread out with picnic blankets, local wine, and children in tow. Food trucks line the walkways, and fireflies flicker just beyond the stage. Occasionally, birds join the overture.
As the sun sets and the screen lights up, the orchestra—more than 80 musicians strong—launches into John Williams’s legendary score, performed in perfect sync with the film. Every chase, crescendo, and T. rex roar is played live as the music surges from the stage.
It’s a highlight of the summer festival. However, behind the scenes, it’s also a tremendous feat of artistry and logistics.
“These great movie scores are not easy works to perform,” says Jason Posnock, President & CEO of Brevard Music Center. “The synchronization, the stamina, the scale—it’s a huge challenge. But our students rise to it every time.”
Brevard is one of the few summer music festivals where college and conservatory-level students perform full film scores live, accompanied by the motion picture playing above them. Purchasing the rights to perform a film like *Jurassic Park*—along with its full orchestral score—is a significant investment. But at BMC, it’s part of the mission.
“It’s a thrill for the audience and a remarkable learning experience for the musicians,” says Posnock. “It’s what this place is all about.”
Now in its 89th season, Brevard Music Center welcomes nearly 1,000 students each summer and offers over 80 public performances across orchestra, opera, chamber, jazz, and more. Yet, Movie Night remains one of its most community-driven traditions.
“It brings together everyone—our students, local families, visitors seeing BMC for the first time,” says Posnock. “They might come for the dinosaurs, but they will leave with something much deeper. Music, stars, mountain air… it stays with you.”
The concert is at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 26th. Shih-Hung Young conducts the Brevard Sinfonia. You can watch the blockbuster film on the big screen as John Williams’s iconic score is brought to life. Tickets are available at brevardmusic.org or by calling 828-862-2105.