Juan Cardona & Friends Accompany Mel Brooks Film 'Silent Movie'
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Co-hosted by the Theatre Organ Society of San Diego
The event will feature the artistry of Juan Cardona performing inventive renditions on the Wonder Morton Theatre Organ followed by the west coast premier of the Mel Brooks comedy “Silent Movie” complemented by live theatre organ and exact percussive effects promises to be a hysterical experience for all ages. Produced in1976, this hit show features an array of superstar cameos which create a non-stop laugh fest! Juan and his team will catch every nuance of the movement in real time creating a multi-orchestral, precise accompaniment to the film action.
Connecticut native Juan Cardona began studying organ and piano at seven years old, which kicked off his education and career as a concert artist. Juan graduated under the guidance of Angela Salcedo with a degree in Fine Arts majoring in classical organ at the University of Connecticut while fine tuning his theatre organ skills with Jelani Eddington. Juan has concertized all throughout the east coast and south as well as holding the role of staff organist at the historic Thomaston Opera House and Bardavon Opera House in New York.
Juan launched his silent film career at the Thomaston Opera house with his first full-length feature film being Academy Award-winning “Wings”, since then he has accompanied more than 30 silents, short comedies, and full-length features. He has scored “Phantom of the Opera,” “Robin Hood,” “The Beloved Rogue,” “Tell it to the Marines,” “Speedy,” “The General” and silent short comedies: “The Great Race,” “Big Business” and “One Week”. For five years now Juan has been featured artist for the Eastern Massachusetts chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society in their “Silents in the House” film series. Juan’s excellent artistry has earned him standing ovations and features as well as collaborations with notable artists such as Niel Sedaka and Tito Puento.
Balboa Theatre
Built in 1924, the historic Balboa Theatre was an elegant vaudeville and movie palace in the heart of downtown San Diego. At the time, it was a state-of-the-art building that included six storefronts along Fourth Ave., with 34 offices on the floors above. Starting in 1986, the Balboa Theatre had been closed for over 20 years. After numerous efforts to privately renovate and reopen the Theatre, the commitment was made in 2002 to retain the historic Balboa Theatre as a public asset with the City's Redevelopment Agency funding its renovation and restoration and reopening the Theatre as a community performing arts center to be managed and operated by San Diego Theatres. The City of San Diego's Redevelopment Agency has invested over $26 million into the Balboa Theatre's renovation and restoration. This has included extensive seismic retro-fit to meet current requirements, complete replacement of all infrastructure systems including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, life safety, ADA accommodations, state-of-the-industry theatrical lighting, audio, rigging and production requirements, and audience accommodations including new seating. The project has embraced and restored the historic finishes and appearance of the Balboa Theatre while incorporating current audience and production expectations to ensure its use for generations to come. The historic Balboa Theatre reopened in January 2008 with much acclaim from audiences and performers. Additionally, it has received numerous special awards and recognition on a local, state and national professional organizations.
