Romero Concert to Give Expostulations First Full Screening

The George A. Romero Foundation and composer Christian Kriegeskotte have announced a one-night concert, George A. Romero's A Night at the Symphony, set for March 26, 2027 at 7:30 p.m. at Pittsburgh's Byham Theater. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents the event, and tickets are on sale now through the Trust.

The centerpiece is the first full screening of Romero's 1962 short film Expostulations, shown with a newly commissioned orchestral score by Kriegeskotte. The Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh will perform the score live to picture.

The program also features newly orchestrated music from Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Martin and Knightriders. It opens with Kriegeskotte's overture Beyond the Living Dead, inspired by the first 10 notes of Night of the Living Dead. Part of the Day of the Dead performance will use John Harrison's original Prophet-5 synthesizer, while Donald Rubinstein's music from Martin and Knightriders has been expanded for full symphony orchestra, according to joblo.com.

A rediscovered short returns

Expromero's first film was believed destroyed in a basement flood for more than 60 years. Surviving 16mm footage was rediscovered and restored by the George A. Romero Foundation. In 1968, Romero premiered Night of the Living Dead at Pittsburgh's Fulton theater, the venue now known as the Byham.