From the Screen to the Symphony: My 2025 Experience with ACCO
In September, I had the great pleasure of joining the American Contemporary Classical Orchestra as Principal Flute for one of its inaugural season concerts, and it is an experience I continue to reflect on with gratitude and excitement. From the very first rehearsal, it was clear that ACCO is something truly special. There is a rare sense of purpose that runs through this orchestra — a shared belief in the power of contemporary music that is melodic, expressive, and deeply human. As performers, we were not simply presenting a program; we were bringing great cinematic music to life for our community in the heart of Washington, DC.
The program featured the world premiere of a piano concerto by local composer Arnold Kirshenbaum, performed with artistry by pianist Russell Woo, followed by an entire second half dedicated to the music of Lee Holdridge. Lee’s work, spanning over 100 films and decades of iconic collaborations in film, television, and concert music, is instantly evocative. His music lives at the intersection of orchestral tradition and cinematic storytelling, and performing it live in the beautiful historic Miracle Theatre in the heart of our nation’s capital was the ideal venue for such an experience. One of my personal highlights was enjoying Lee’s masterful writing for solo flute. I had the distinct pleasure of performing the great flute solo introduction to the film East of Eden, one of the many beautiful melodies of our time.
In performing these great songs for cinema, I was confronted with the following questions: what is a great movie without its music? What is it about great movies and great movie-music that we as audiences never cease to delight in? My only conclusions are as follows: we are drawn to story, and cinematic music is one of the most powerful ways to tell one. It can transport us instantly and immerse us fully in a narrative without a single word being spoken. Film scores are built from bite-sized themes that are recognizable, memorable, and deeply beautiful, delighting musicians and casual listeners alike. They give us melodies that linger long after the final scene. They invite us into a shared emotional experience: nostalgia, wonder, heartbreak, and hope. Movie music doesn’t just accompany a story; it is the story.
One of the most meaningful aspects of this experience for me was the opportunity to spend time with Lee Holdridge himself. Before our concert,
I caught the composer outside as we waited to enter the theatre. Having the composer in the audience — and then engaging in a long, thoughtful conversation with him about his life, career, and compositional process — was truly special. These are moments that musicians treasure: the chance to hear firsthand how a composer hears their own music, what inspires them, and how they imagine sound, color, and narrative. It brought an even deeper sense of intention and connection to the performance. Working under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Jeffrey Dokken was equally inspiring. His clarity, energy, and commitment to the repertoire created an environment where musicians could fully invest in the music.
What resonates with me most, however, is ACCO’s mission. To have a fully professional symphony orchestra located right in the center of our city, dedicated to making contemporary orchestral music accessible, welcoming, and meaningful, is something truly rare. There are very few ensembles doing this work at this level, and even fewer doing it with such sincerity and vision. ACCO is one of a kind.
As a musician, it is both thrilling and deeply meaningful to be part of an organization that believes contemporary music should be heard, understood, and enjoyed by a wide audience. ACCO is not only preserving the symphonic tradition but is actively shaping its future and inviting our community along for the journey.
I am incredibly grateful for my time with the American Contemporary Classical Orchestra and proud to support the important work it is doing. I look forward to making more music together and continuing to share these beautiful, powerful sounds with audiences throughout the DC area.
— Jennifer Szabo
Principal Flute, 2025
ACCO
