Mixing the old and the new; taking an innovative approach to classical music; educating the community via unique and riveting repertoires. These are the missions of the Northern Kentucky Symphony, and at Saturday night's Ben-Hur concert these missions were accomplished.

        The Horizon Production camera crew was there — filming the musicians as they performed Carl Davis' score to the 1925 silent film classic Ben-Hur: A Tale of Christ. Their results will be part of a documentary about the symphony's valiant attempt at coordinating the difficult score with the epic movie. And what the production company's footage will reveal is a captivated, nearly sold out — Greaves Concert Hall. The symphony even managed to catch and hold the attention of the toughest critics of all — two preteen boys.

        When Ben-Hur made its Cincinnati debut at the Grand Opera House in October 1926, ticket prices ranged from 50 cents to $1.50, conductor James Cassidy told the audience. A 25-piece orchestra added color and dimension to the silent film. With the tremolo of strings, the sea battle and chariot scenes become something more than memorable — they become trademarks.

        If you've seen the movie The French Lieutenant's Woman,you've heard Carl Davis' work. Best known for his film and television scores, he has also conducted several international symphony orchestras.

        His score for Ben-Hur is a masterpiece in itself. The music of today's movies has to be both mood stirring and transparent, so as not to steal the thunder from the actors. But in the silent screen era things were different. With the help of dreamy, waxy scores, Ramon Navarro became a matinee idol.

        Performing to the silent movie is a collaborative effort. The conductor must coordinate with the projectionist (John Harvey), the orchestra, and the stars on the big screen.

        The score calls for many string section solos. Some of the best solos were played by principal cellist Katrina Aguiar. The orchestra, as always, played with soul and proved that enthusiasm is contagious. The player's enthusiasm dropped a notch towards the end of the show when a few intonation issues were revealed. Ears can get tired, too. The piece is more than two hours long.

        There is no organ featured in Carl Davis' work. Nor are there silly horns, bells, whistles, cow bells, or sirens. The Northern Kentucky Symphony is probably saving these gadgets for the Charlie Chaplin film festival.

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