John Banther

The Library of Congress co-commissioned a new work from composer Danny Elfman, and it premieres on May 4 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. He has composed scores for over 100 films, but this is only his 8th “classical” commission. I spoke to Elfman via Zoom to learn more about this new work, his process, influences, and what is essential for him as an artist.

Do you remember those “most interesting man in the world” commercials from the last decade? It’s hard to imagine another figure in music who fits the bill besides Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. He wasn’t just a composer, a conductor, and a virtuoso violinist, but also one of the greatest fencers in Europe, a military man, was involved in the French Revolution and by all accounts I've seen was dashingly handsome.

Honoring the dead is something cultures have practiced for millennia, and in Mexico, their Día de los Muertos celebration has become one of the most recognizable examples from around the world. Gathering together to celebrate the lives of those that have passed on, they create richly decorated altars that offer their favorite foods, drinks, flowers, art, photos and more to the departed.