The original organist in the film Interstellar performing from the original score is a highlight for organ enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
The acoustics of Rochester Cathedral will resonate to cosmic sounds in a programme that explores the drama and beauty of space music. Three thrilling movements from Gustav Holst’s epic The Planets begin a programme which will culminate in Roger’s own version of Hans Zimmer’s iconic music.
In the video The Making of the Interstellar Soundtrack, listeners will learn how Roger became involved in a blockbuster and hear his incredible story. There will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ask him a question!
The Interstellar score follows closely the drama and intense emotions of the narrative in a continuous performance, where listeners will hear themes such as Cornfield Chase, Stay, No Time for Caution that will recall vividly their own personal encounter with the film. Listen out for the sublime ending which accompanies the credits: on the softest of sounds, the organ climbs to its highest note, which then becomes lost in the infinity of space...
Programme
Also Sprach Zarathustra Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
Planets Suite (Mars, Venus, Jupiter) Gustav Holst (1874 - 1934)
Video The Making of the Interstellar Soundtrack
Interview followed by audience questions
Interval
Interstellar Suite transcribed by Roger Sayer, Hans Zimmer (1957-present)
About Interstellar 10
Virtuosic and versatile, international organ star ROGER SAYER was chosen by Hans Zimmer to create the prominent organ role for Christopher Nolan's gripping film INTERSTELLAR. It was recorded at Temple Church, London in 2014, where Roger was Director of Music. In 2024 he marked the 10th anniversary of its massive global impact with his unique event: Interstellar 10. He shares his experience of working with two living geniuses of the cinema before playing his own version of the soundtrack, which no other organist is able to do. Performances in Australia and several European countries have already received enthusiastic acclaim. One listener observed if Hans Zimmer is the heart of Interstellar, then you, Sir, are its soul'. The programme will include other space-related music including movements from Holst's The Planets.
About Roger Sayer
Roger Sayer has been a leading light in British music for over 30 years as well as achieving international recognition as an organist, choral director, educator and examiner. His exceptional talent proved itself early when he was a Prizewinner in the St Albans International Organ Competition in 1989 and a year later attained a post at Rochester Cathedral before the age of 30.
Roger became Director of Music at Temple Church, London in 2013 and in addition to frequent recitals and broadcasts, undertook tours with the celebrated Temple Church Choir in Europe, Australia and North America. A year later he received a phone call that changed his life: an invitation to record the organ part for the blockbuster Interstellar, released later the same year. Roger has since performed live with its award-winning composer, Hans Zimmer, at the Royal Albert Hall and in 2023 at the 02, London in the show HANS ZIMMER LIVE to an audience of 40,000.
Roger left Temple in 2023 to pursue a full-time concert career. A major focus of his work is Interstellar 10 where he shares his experience of working with two living geniuses of cinema: director Christopher Nolan and Hans Zimmer before performing his own version of the original score – which no other organist is in a position to do! Already playing to sell-out audiences throught the UK and Europe, Roger enthuses: I find it very inspiring to see this music reaching both young and old; it is not difficult to grasp why Zimmer considers it his best score. He will mark the 10th anniversary with performances throughout Europe and Australia, culminating in major tours across Australia and Canada.
He is without doubt an extraordinary artist whose humanity shines in the impeccable artistry that flows from his hands
(Hans Zimmer).
