Full Breakdown
The Scott Dunn Orchestra: Elevating Film Music in Los Angeles
1/16/2026, 12:02:06 AM
Core Event: A New Era for Film Music
The Scott Dunn Orchestra, founded by conductor Scott Dunn in partnership with the Wallis in Beverly Hills, aims to elevate the status of film music, which has historically been undervalued despite its significant contributions to cinema. This initiative seeks to bring attention to the artistry of film scores, which have often been relegated to the background.
Background & Context: The Historical Dismissal of Film Scores
Film music has long faced a stigma within the classical music community, often dismissed as inferior to traditional orchestral works. This perception has roots in the early Hollywood era, where composers internalized the disdain from classical elites, leading to a lack of preservation and concert arrangements of their own scores. Despite this, there has always been a dedicated audience that appreciates the emotional depth and complexity of film music, which is often labeled as mere "background" music.
Key Figures: Scott Dunn and Influential Composers
Scott Dunn, who transitioned from a career in medicine to music, has emerged as a prominent advocate for film scores. His journey back to music was influenced by Oscar-winning composer Leonard Rosenman, who recognized Dunn's musical talent. Dunn's programming includes works from iconic composers such as Henry Mancini, Jerry Goldsmith, and John Williams, showcasing the rich history of film music.
Why It Matters: The Impact of the Scott Dunn Orchestra
The Scott Dunn Orchestra's concerts serve not only to entertain but also to educate audiences about the artistic merit of film scores. Dunn emphasizes that while film music is frequently performed alongside movie screenings, it deserves to be appreciated on its own merits. By focusing solely on the music, Dunn aims to create a concert experience that highlights the quality and emotional resonance of these compositions.
Official Statements & Responses: Support for Film Music
Dunn has expressed his frustration with the film music's relegation to "pops" concerts, stating, “I find that if you actually take the film out of the equation... you can really make some amazing concerts of this music.” He acknowledges that while the LA Phil's trend of screening films with live scores has increased interest, it often overshadows the music itself. Dunn's approach seeks to shift this focus back to the scores.
Criticism & Opposition: The Challenge of Acceptance
Despite the growing popularity of film music, there remains a divide between traditional classical music audiences and those who appreciate film scores. Some critics argue that the integration of film music into concert halls is merely a commercial strategy rather than a genuine appreciation of the art form. Dunn acknowledges this challenge but remains committed to showcasing the depth of film music.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s fascinating to me that we had all these great geniuses in town, and kind of ignored them,” — Scott Dunn, Conductor
- “the attention should be focused on the score,” — Scott Dunn, Conductor
- “I wouldn’t recommend that path — trying to become a world-class conductor in your late 30s is a really painful row to hoe,” — Scott Dunn, Conductor
What's Next: Future Concerts and Aspirations
The Scott Dunn Orchestra has successfully sold out every concert to date and plans to continue its mission with future performances celebrating composers like Randy Newman and exploring lesser-known works by John Williams. Dunn's vision is to ensure that film music receives the recognition it deserves in Los Angeles and beyond.
