The Indian Panorama

Tag: By Mabel Pais

  • EXPERIENCE AWARD WINNING COMPOSER JOHN DEBNEY’S ‘ELF IN CONCERT’ ENTIRE SCORE PERFORMED LIVE TO PICTURE BY NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY

    EXPERIENCE AWARD WINNING COMPOSER JOHN DEBNEY’S ‘ELF IN CONCERT’ ENTIRE SCORE PERFORMED LIVE TO PICTURE BY NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY

    • By Mabel Pais

    “What the New Jersey Symphony has established, bringing music to the Garden State in schools and in six different cities, is a sincere accomplishment. And it’s never been better.” – nj.com

    Buddy the Elf! spreads Christmas cheer quite like nobody else!

    This holiday season, CineConcerts (cineconcerts.com) and Warner Bros. Discovery Global (warnerbros.com/experiences) brings us the timeless holiday classic ‘Elf in Concert,’ to NJPAC in Newark and Count Basie Performing Arts Center in Red Bank, December 6-7, 2025.

    It will feature New Jersey Symphony performing every note from John Debney’s (The Passion of the Christ, Iron Man 2, The Jungle Book, Hocus Pocus) heartwarming score while the entire film is projected on a large screen. Directed by Jon Favreau (The Lion King, The Mandalorian, Rudy, Iron Man, Iron Man 2) and starring Will Ferrell the film is considered by many to be one of the best holiday movies of all time.

    John Debney, composer and conductor explains, “I’m so thrilled to be working with Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and CineConcerts on the upcoming ‘Elf in Concert.’ Writing the score was a true highlight of my career. Seeing the joy that the music and film brings to audiences each year is truly wonderful. ‘Elf’ has really become a modern classic and bringing this into concert halls worldwide is an absolute honor. I very much look forward to presenting this unforgettable concert experience to live audiences worldwide!”

    STORY

    In ‘Elf,’ Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father.

    PROGRAM

    December 6, at 2 pm, at NJPAC in Newark
    December 7, at 2 pm, at Count Basie Performing Arts Center in Red Bank

    New Jersey Symphony

    Conner Gray Covington – Conductor

    TICKETS

    For tickets and more information, visit njsymphony.org or call 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476).  

    Subscribe today! njsymphony.org/subscribe
    For further information, visit cineconcerts.com.

    Facebook: facebook.com/CineConcerts
    Twitter: @CineConcertsLLC
    Instagram: @CineConcerts
    Hashtag: #ElfInConcert

    New Jersey Symphony

    The New Jersey Symphony is a GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning orchestra. Under the direction of Music Director Xian Zhang, the Symphony performs more than 55 mainstage concerts across the state at venues in Newark, Princeton, New Brunswick, Red Bank, and Morristown, as well as at schools and public spaces statewide.

    Programming at the Symphony reflects an unwavering commitment to diverse communities throughout the state, while providing students unparalleled opportunities to achieve musical excellence through its Youth Orchestra and other education programs.

    In 2024, the Symphony announced it would continue to deliver its statewide activities from a new, permanent office, rehearsal, and concert space in Jersey City, set to open in 2026.

    For more information about the New Jersey Symphony, visit njsymphony.org.

    Connect with New Jersey Symphony on: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube

    CineConcerts

    Cineconcerts (cineconcerts.com) is one of the leading producers of live and digital music experiences performed with visual media, and continues to redefine entertainment. Founded by Producer/Conductor Justin Freer and Producer/Writer Brady Beaubien, CineConcerts will engage over 4.8 million people worldwide in concert presentations in over 3,000 performances in 48 countries through 2025, and recently launched CineConcerts +PLUS (cineconcertsplus.com) – a global digital network and app suite with hundreds of exclusive podcast episodes and produced content. CineConcerts continues to work with some of the most prestigious orchestras and venues in the world including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, and more.

    Walter and Santa Claus chatting next to Santa’s sleigh. (Credit : njsymphony.org.)

    Recent and current live and digital concert experiences (cineconcerts.com/concerts) include ‘Elf in Concert,’ ‘The Pinball Concert’ (Digital), ‘The Polar Express in Concert,’ ‘Rudy in Concert,’ ‘The Passion of the Christ in Concert,’ ‘The Da Vinci Code in Concert,’ ‘The Harry Potter Film Concert Series,’ ‘Gladiator Live,’ ‘The Godfather Live,’ ‘It’s a Wonderful Life in Concert,’ ‘DreamWorks Animation In Concert,’ ‘Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage 50th Anniversary Concert Tour,’ ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s in Concert,’ and ‘A Christmas Dream Live.’

    Connect with CineConcerts on: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

    Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE)

    Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (warnerbros.com/experiences) is a worldwide leader in the creation, development, licensing and operating of location-based entertainment based on the biggest franchises, stories, and characters from Warner Bros. world-renowned film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, Cartoon Network and more.

    WBDGE is home to the groundbreaking locations of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal theme parks around the world, award-winning Warner Bros. Studio Tour locations in London, Hollywood, and Tokyo, the iconic Harry Potter New York flagship store, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, The WB Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS Experience, The Game of Thrones Studio Tour and countless other experiences inspired by Harry Potter, DC, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Game of Thrones, FRIENDS and more. WBDGE is part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Revenue & Strategy division.

    John Debney

    “If I’m doing my job well,” says Debney, “I need to feel it. I really try to make sure that whatever I’m doing — even if it’s a comedy — that I’m feeling it and feeling either humor or the pathos or the dramatic impact of what I’m seeing. That’s the way I approach it.”

    John Debney is the ultimate film music character actor. In equal demand for family films such as ‘Elf,’ as he is for adventure films like ‘Iron Man 2,’ the Oscar-nominated composer also scored the powerful and poignant ‘The Passion of the Christ.’ Debney is an agile jack-of-all-genres, composing for comedies (‘Bruce Almighty’), sci-fi action (‘Predators’), horror (‘Dream House’) and romance (‘Valentine’s Day’) with the same confidence and panache. Debney is also known for his work in such films as ‘Princess Diaries,’ ‘Sin City,’ ‘Liar Liar,’ ‘Spy Kids,’ ‘No Strings Attached,’ ‘The Emperor’s New Groove,’ ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ and ‘Hocus Pocus.’ Debney’s work also includes Disney’s ‘The Jungle Book’ directed by Jon Favreau, Fox’s ‘Ice Age: Collision Course’ directed by Mike Thurmeier, and Twentieth Century Fox’s award-winning musical ‘The Greatest Showman’ starring Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron. Debney’s most recent films include ‘The Beach Bum’ starring Matthew McConaughey and directed by Harmony Korine, the Warner Bros. comedy feature ‘Isn’t It Romantic’ starring Rebel Wilson, Paramount Pictures’ family adventure feature ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold,’ and Bleecker Street’s biopic ‘Brian Banks.’ Upcoming for Debney is ‘Come Away’ directed by Brenda Chapman and starring Angelina Jolie.

    Learn more at johndebney.com.

    Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, Social Issues, Education, Business, Health and Wellness, and Cuisine.

  • A FILM CONCERT EXPERIENCE YOU CANNOT REFUSE

    • By Mabel Pais

    Experience the film concert for music lovers, filmgoers and anyone looking for an exciting and unique concert experience!

    Marlon Brando, the Godfather – Corleone Family head (an assistant whispers in his ear)
    The Corleone sons
    A Corleone daughter’s wedding (Photos : Courtesy njsymphony.org)

    ‘The Godfather Live’ brings director Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece to music venues for the first time, making its premiere at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC – njpac.org) in Newark on Friday, August 16 at 7:30 pm; and Count Basie Center for the Arts (thebasie.org) in Red Bank on Sunday, August 18 at 3 pm.

    Winner of three Academy® Awards and countless other honors, ‘The Godfather’ remains one of the greatest films in the history of cinema. Nino Rota’s iconic score, accompanied by the film’s traditional Italian folk music and jazz comes to life on stage, performed live by the New Jersey Symphony (njsymphony.org) while the film is simultaneously shown in high definition on the big screen.

    THE GODFATHER

    ‘The Godfather,’ released by Paramount Pictures in 1972 to popular and critical acclaim, tells the story of the Corleones and their rivalry with other New York crime families between 1945 and 1955, as the title character (Marlon Brando) hands over the reins of power to his youngest son (Al Pacino). Also starring James Caan, John Cazale, Robert Duvall and Diane Keaton, the film won three Academy® Awards — including Best Picture and Best Actor (Marlon Brando) — and established Coppola’s reputation as one of the exciting new breed of directors who revolutionized Hollywood from the late 1960s onwards.

    In 2008, an ‘Empire’ magazine vote saw ‘The Godfather’ named as the greatest film ever made, a distinction also awarded by ‘Entertainment Weekly’ and ‘Metacritic’. It came second in ‘Sight & Sound’s’ 2002 list and ‘Time Out’s’ 2003 readers’ poll and is currently ranked at number two in IMDb’s all-time list.

    Composer Nino Rota achieved international acclaim in the 1950s and 1960s for his work with Italian directors Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti, scoring the likes of ‘White Nights’, ‘The Leopard’, ‘La Dolce Vita’ and ‘8½’. His music for ‘The Godfather’, including its immortal “Love Theme from ‘The Godfather,’”  was ranked at #5 in the American Film Institute’s list of the greatest scores ever written.

    Justin Freer, Producer of ‘The Godfather Live’ in Concert said, “We are proud to embrace the evolution of live experience, and we hope that this concert honors the many talented musicians that bring the music of the movies to life, while giving everyone the ability to re-live one of the great masterpieces in Cinema.”

    PROGRAM

    ‘The Godfather Live’ in Concert

    New Jersey Symphony at the Movies

    Newark: Friday, August 16, 2024, 7:30 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center

    Red Bank: Sunday, August 18, 2024, 3 pm, Count Basie Center for the Arts

    Nicholas Hersh conductor

    New Jersey Symphony

    CineConcerts

    CineConcerts – Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

    TICKETS

    Tickets are available at njsymphony.org/godfather.

    This concert is produced by CineConcerts.

    Content warning: This film contains Graphic Violence, Adult Content and Profanity that some viewers may find offensive or triggering. Rated R.

    Programs, artists and prices are subject to change.

    CineConcerts

    CineConcerts (cineconcerts.com) is one of the leading producers of live and digital music experiences performed with visual media, and continues to redefine entertainment. Founded by Producer/Conductor Justin Freer and Producer/Writer Brady Beaubien, CineConcerts will engage over 4.8 million people worldwide in concert presentations in over 3,000 performances in 48 countries through 2025, and recently launched CineConcerts +PLUS — a global digital network and app suite with hundreds of exclusive podcast episodes and produced content continues to work with some of the most prestigious orchestras and venues in the world including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra and more. Learn more at cineconcerts.com.

    Paramount Pictures Corporation

    Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Learn more at paramountpictures.com.

    Nicholas Hersh (Conductor)

    American conductor Nicholas Hersh is music director of the Modesto Symphony (California), having been appointed in August 2023 with immediate effect. Across the country, Nicholas has earned critical acclaim for his innovative programming and natural ability to connect with musicians and audiences alike.

    Hersh is frequently in demand as an arranger and orchestrator, with commissions from orchestras around the globe for adaptations of everything from classical solo and chamber music to popular songs. His orchestration of Beethoven’s Cello Sonata Op. 69 was premiered by the Philharmonie Zuidnederland in January 2022, while his symphonic arrangement of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” continues to see worldwide success as a viral YouTube hit. He also serves as arranger and editor for the James P. Johnson Orchestra Edition.

    Hersh grew up in Evanston, Illinois and started his musical training as a cellist. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Music from Stanford University and a master’s degree in Conducting from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Hersh is also a two-time recipient of the Solti Foundation Career Assistance Award. Learn more at nicholashersh.com.

    The New Jersey Symphony

    The Emmy and GRAMMY Award-winning New Jersey Symphony is redefining what it means to be a nationally leading, relevant orchestra in the 21st century. The Symphony is renewing its deeply rooted commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by championing new, and often local, artists; engaging audiences for whom the inspiring depth and breadth of classical music will be a new experience; and incorporating the broadest possible representation in all aspects of its organization – all to better reflect and serve its vibrant communities.

    Connect with NJ Symphony

    1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476)

    njsymphony.org

    @NJSymphony on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X

    @NewJerseySymphony on YouTube

    Email: information@njsymphony.org

    (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)

  • MJH-NYC HOSTS ANNUAL GATHERING OF REMEMBRANCE

    By Mabel Pais

    The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust (mjhnyc.org) hosts New York’s Annual Gathering of Remembrance on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 2:00 PM ET.

    Annual Gathering of Remembrance. (Credit : mjhnyc.org.)

    The program will be held in person, for the first time since 2019, and the Museum returns to Temple Emanu-El of New York City (emanuelnyc.org), after the hiatus. The annual program is part of the Museum’s Yom HaShoah tribute and serves the organization’s mission to “never forget” and honor the memory of those who were lost during the Holocaust, as well as survivors and their descendants. This memorial serves as a reminder of the dangers of intolerance and envisions a brighter future.

    The ‘Annual Gathering of Remembrance’ program will feature music, remarks from Holocaust survivors and public figures, and a moving candle lighting ceremony. The event will take place the day before Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, which begins on the evening of Monday, April 17 and concludes at sundown on Tuesday, April 18. The event will also be live streamed online on the Museum’s website at mjhnyc.org/agr, and YouTube channel at youtube.com/MuseumJewishHeritage. “This moment is one of the most important days of the year, when we honor the memory of all the brave souls who perished and show solidarity with those who survived one of the most horrific chapters in our world’s history,” says the Museum’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Bruce Ratner. “We have a responsibility to carry on the legacies of those we lost, and to continue fighting prejudice and hate and make the world a more understanding place.”

    “The Annual Gathering of Remembrance is essential to our mission at the Museum. We are proud to gather on this day to remember those who were lost in the Holocaust and those survivors who we’ve lost in the past year,” says Jack Kliger, President and CEO of the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. “We are also uplifted by the second, third, and fourth generation survivors who will join us in song and candle lighting, as our memories move l’dor va’dor, from generation to generation. This tribute will welcome multiple generations in person here in New York, a city with one of the world’s largest communities of Holocaust survivors, as loved ones and community members from around the world also tune in virtually.”

    Speakers will include Museum President and CEO Jack Kliger, Board President Bruce Ratner, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Israeli Consul General Asaf Zamir, Rabbi Amy B. Ehrlich, and others. Musical guests will include Joyce Rosenzweig, Steven Skybell, Valeriya Sholokhova, the HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir, and more.

    “It is an honor to come together in person to remember the lives of those who were lost in the Holocaust and to read the names of survivors whom we’ve lost in the past year at Temple Emanu-El,” says Museum Trustee Rita Lerner, the daughter of two Holocaust survivors and the event Co-Chair.

    Speakers will include Museum President and CEO Jack Kliger, Board President Bruce Ratner, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Israeli Consul General Asaf Zamir, Rabbi Amy B. Ehrlich, and others. Musical guests will include Joyce Rosenzweig, Steven Skybell, Valeriya Sholokhova, the HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir, and more.

    RSVP – In Person & Virtual

    Anyone wishing to attend the ‘Annual Gathering of Remembrance’ or view it online should RSVP at mjhnyc.org/agr.

    A number of organizations are partnering with the Museum to create the ceremony.

    The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust

    The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust is New York’s contribution to the global responsibility to Never Forget. It is the third-largest Holocaust Museum in the world. For more information, visit: mjhnyc.org.

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    BOOSTING BRAIN HEALTH & WELLBEING WITH MINDFUL EATING

    Healthy Eating. Credit : mmjccm.org

    By Mabel Pais

    Brain Health Kitchen + Broadway’s Best for Parkinson’s: Boosting Brain Health with Food is an in-person event, with virtual streaming option, on Monday, April 17 at 6:00 PM. This event takes place at the JCC Manhattan.

    The event features a panel of experts on how the foods we eat influence our health and wellbeing in relation to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. The conversation will be followed by a live musical performance and book signing. “The brain is the new frontier. There is great interest in the impact of nutrients and food quality on our health and brain function,” shares Kohles. “For example, we know that ultra-processed foods aren’t good for us but some studies now show that they might impact our cognitive function. If eating whole foods can help reduce the risk of dementia then we need to be talking about it.”

    PROGRAM

    Panelists

    Annie Fenn, M.D., founder of the ‘Brain Health Kitchen,’ the only cooking school focused on cognitive wellness, to learn how maintaining brain health is easy, accessible, and delicious.

    Matthew E. Fink, M.D., chairman of the Department of Neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and neurologist-in-chief at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, to hear the latest updates in brain research.

    Marisa Seifan, a former federal prosecutor turned CEO and co-founder of Honeybrains, to discover why she created the first restaurant dedicated to better brain health.

    Suzette Shahmoon, cognitive hypnotherapist, explains on how caregivers can benefit from healthy lifestyle and eating habits.

    Moderator

    Caroline Kohles, MMJCCM senior director of Health + Wellness.

    Book Signing

    Annie Fenn, author of her debut book, ‘The Brain Health Kitchen: Preventing Alzheimer’s through Food’ will present insights through her over 100 recipes designed to promote brain health and cognitive decline prevention through mindful eating.

    Conclusion

    Live musical performance.

    Brain Health Kitchen + Broadway’s Best for Parkinson’s: Boosting Brain Health with Food

    This hybrid event is part of a groundbreaking JCC program (mmjccm.org/parkinsons) founded 15 years ago to improve the lives of those impacted by Parkinson’s. The initiative helps improve the lives of those impacted by Parkinson’s. Through education, exercise, and other programs, and in collaboration with the medical and local communities, people impacted by Parkinson’s remain active, connected, and empowered.

    REGISTRATION

    The event is free to people living with PD by using discount code PARKINSON100, but the general public must purchase tickets. Registration is recommended for both the in person (mmjccm.org/programs/person-brain-health-kitchen-and-broadways-best-pd-boosting-brain-health-food) and virtual (mmjccm.org/programs/virtual-brain-health-kitchen-and-broadways-best-pd-boosting-brain-health-food) experience.

    The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

    Learn more at mmjccm.org.

    (Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Cuisine, The Arts and Entertainment and Spirituality)