The story of the most important instrument you've never heard of. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra Adds to its Online Offers with New Feature Film Sponsored by PNC
Published: January 15, 2021
The Alabama Symphony Orchestra recently announced an addition to its online offerings with The Bowmakers, a new feature-length documentary that explores the world of the bow and the extraordinary masters who make them. The Orchestra has partnered with PNC to make this new digital premiere possible.
Tickets for this virtual fundraiser are $15 and will allow patrons exclusive access to the film from Friday, January 22- 31. In addition to hosting virtual viewings of the documentary, the ASO will present a Q&A session on Jan. 31 with Director Ward Serrill, violinist Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, and bowmaker Robert Morrow.
The story of the films follows the bow—the Cinderella of the orchestra—the overworked and overshadowed ally to its more glamorous partners. Few people, even among lovers of classical music, think of the bow as an instrument in its own right, but players of stringed instruments see them differently. To musicians, the bow is as essential to expressing the soul of the music as the violin or cello.
The film follows the journey of the “silent servant” of the music world—from the workshops of the virtuosos of the trade, to the birthplace of the bow in France, and to Brazil, home to the imperiled tree from which the world’s finest bows are made.
The ASO is excited to offer the Southeast premiere of The Bowmakers as a part of its virtual offerings for the 20/21 Season. These digital programs are a way for the Orchestra to continue engaging with the community while audiences are unable to gather in the concert hall. For more information on how you can gain access to this event or to view the trailer, visit alsymphony.org/bowmakers.