Hollywood in Vienna

On September 21, 2022, after a two-year break, the International Film Music Symposium will again take place at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MDW).

For this year's symposium, we have succeeded in attracting one of the most important contemporary composers of the "dream factory": Alan Menken. In addition to Arielle, the Mermaid, the composer wrote the soundtrack and songs for the modern Disney classics Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and many more - Disney's dream worlds received their unmistakable sound through him. He was awarded for his music with 8 Oscars, 11 Grammys and 7 Golden Globes, a Tony and many other important awards.

Topics of the symposium will include: How is Alan Menken creating a musical production? What are the legal challenges in film- and theater productions and what are the differences? How is a soundtrack for an animated film created?

Other presenters:

Chris Montan: The former president of Walt Disney Music has been working with Alan Menken for over 30 years.

Christian Struppek: The musical director of Vereinigte Bühnen Wien has been responsible for the realization of more than 30 large-scale musical productions.

Michael Kosarin: As Alan Menken's musical director, the American conductor and Emmy award winner is responsible for the recording of his Disney soundtracks, concerts and musicals.

John Sorapure: Cinematographer and 2nd Unit Director for the musical adaptations of Little Mermaid, Wonka and Barbie, among others.

Randy Kerber: Composer and keyboarder, piano solos for Forrest Gump, La La Land, Titanic, The Irishman, and many Alan Menken Disney films, among others.

Susan Egan: A Broadway icon - she embodied Belle in the original cast of Beauty and the Beast, among other roles.

During a round table discussion, Sandra Kromoser, head of legal at VBW and Paul Fischer, head of legal at AKM will discuss the areas of copyright and licensing and the legal challenges of film and musical productions with AKM Vice President Paul Hertel.

For the first time since FIMU's inception, two composer-stars will hold a masterclass together! On September 22, 2022, ALAN MENKEN and RANDY KERBER will provide insights into their working methods and address individual questions from participants.