Menu
Join Irish pianist Elaine Loebenstein for a very special evening where she will
accompany on piano the extraordinary 1919 silent film Blind Husbands. Directed by Erich von
Stroheim, who also takes a starring role, the film is considered a masterpiece of
American silent cinema. Full of drama, seduction and intrigue, the film takes us on a
journey through the alpine scenery of South Tyrol where an American couple
encounter an Austrian rogue who is intent on causing trouble.
Originating from Ballyjamesduff, Elaine Loebenstein is a celebrated pianist renowned
for her improvised soundtracks for silent film. A trained accompanist, she has a
special interest in classical improvisation and combines this passion with her
sensitivity and sensibilities as an experienced collaborative pianist to respond to
filmic art through interactive, spontaneous music-making. Loebenstein composes in
real-time at the piano, reacting to the visual with extemporised music, created in the
moment.
Performances of note include Sydney Opera House, Konzerthaus Vienna, Austrian
Cultural Forum New York, St. Martin in the Fields London, BBC City Halls Glasgow,
National Concert Hall Dublin, ACU Hall Melbourne, Town Hall Auckland, the
Edinburgh Festival, Stummfilmtage Bonn, Viennale, the Pordenone Silent Film
Festival, Budapest Classics Film Marathon, Rocks Village Bizarre Sydney, Australian
National Folk Festival and Galway Film Fleadh.
She previously performed at the Boyle Arts Festival in 2008 in her capacity as a
chamber musician. She lives in Vienna.
This film has been acquired for screening at Boyle Arts Festival by special arrangement with the Austrian Film Museum.
