Romero’s Expostulations screens with live orchestra in 2027
A Night at the Symphony: Bringing George A. Romero’s Lost Masterpiece to Pittsburgh
For over six decades, a piece of George A. Romero’s early cinematic history was believed lost to time, with rumors suggesting its elements were destroyed in a basement flood. Now, that history is being resurrected for a spectacular event: A Night at the Symphony, a one-night-only concert set to celebrate the life and work of the “Godfather of Horror.”
The world premiere of this tribute is scheduled for March 26, 2027, at 7:30 p.m., at Pittsburgh’s historic Byham Theater. This venue holds a special place for Romero fans, as it is the very place where his seminal 1968 film, Night of the Living Dead, first captivated audiences.
The centerpiece of the evening is the rediscovery and full screening of Expostulations, a short film made by Romero in 1962. The successful effort of the George A. Romero Foundation and composer Christian Kriegeskotte brought this previously missing piece of the filmmaker’s early career back into the light. The surviving 16mm footage, meticulously restored with the help of the Foundation, offers a rare, intimate glimpse into Pittsburgh in the early 1960s, showcasing the city’s historic Hill District and surrounding neighborhoods, populated by a majority cast of local African-American actors.
This cinematic journey is brought to life with a newly commissioned orchestral score by Kriegeskotte, performed live to picture by the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh. The music weaves together themes from several of Romero’s most iconic films, including Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Martin, and Knightriders, creating a lush, unforgettable experience.
Kriegeskotte, who has worked across diverse media including Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and The Simpsons, explained the inspiration behind the project. “I wanted to turn the spotlight toward less recognized heroes of indie cinema whose films helped shape my own creative imagination,” he shared. “When the George A. Romero Foundation asked me to write an original score to accompany Expostulations, I knew we had a remarkable program on our hands.”
The event is more than just a film screening; it is a celebration of Romero’s boundless curiosity. Tina Romero, the filmmaker’s daughter and Acting President of the George A. Romero Foundation, emphasized the emotional resonance of the event. “My dad was relentlessly curious, and his imagination was never confined to a single genre,” she noted. “This concert gives audiences access to parts of that creative journey that are rarely seen together. To premiere it in Pittsburgh, in the very theater where Night of the Living Dead was introduced to audiences nearly six decades ago, makes the evening especially meaningful.”
Beyond the artistry of the concert, the event serves a vital mission. All net revenue generated by the world premiere and future bookings will directly benefit the George A. Romero Foundation. These funds support crucial initiatives, including scholarships for emerging horror creatives, the ongoing preservation of Romero’s work, and efforts to establish the George A. Romero Horror Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh’s Hillman Library.
Fans can secure tickets for this extraordinary event through the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. For those seeking an even deeper connection, VIP add-on packages are available, offering exclusive access and merchandise. This unique opportunity offers Romero fans a chance to revisit a significant piece of history while experiencing the depth of a legendary creative legacy.
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