The Museum of Modern Art in New York chose the Peoria Riverfront Museum as its first-ever partner in screening a select series of silent films from its collection. “MoMA Silent Film Selections,” presented by Sid and Flo Banwart, kicks off Saturday, May 11, at 5:30 p.m. with the screening of the 1925 film Stella Dallas, which will feature live musical accompaniment by the Peoria Symphony Orchestra.
The Museum of Modern Art in New York Chooses Peoria for Silent Film Series
A scene from “Stella Dallas,” 1925.
PEORIA, Ill., April 8, 2024 – The Museum of Modern Art in New York
chose the Peoria Riverfront Museum as its first-ever partner in screening a select series of silent films from its collection. “MoMA Silent Film Selections,” presented by Sid and Flo Banwart, kicks off Saturday, May 11, at 5:30 p.m. with the screening of the 1925 film Stella Dallas, which will feature live musical accompaniment by the Peoria Symphony Orchestra.
In a joint statement, event sponsors Flo and Sid Banwart said, “We are excited to make it possible to bring the legendary Museum of Modern Art from New York to Peoria for the first time. We love seeing local cultural collaborations, so it is especially great to kick off the
series with a pioneering Peoria Riverfront Museum partnership showcasing the live music talents of our very own historic Peoria Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro George Stelluto.” Thanks to the Banwarts’ full sponsorship, all proceeds of the opening concert will be split between the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and the Peoria Riverfront Museum Film Society.
This is the first time that “Stella Dallas” will be presented in the United States with a new orchestral score composed by Stephen Horne, featuring live accompaniment with a symphony orchestra. It is also the first time that MoMA has partnered with another
museum to present their silent film collection on this scale.
“The PSO is looking forward to this historic collaboration with the Peoria Riverfront Museum,” said Anthony Marotta, executive director of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. “This intriguing project will combine the art of live music with the art of silent film.”
“Stella Dallas,” the working-class mother who makes the ultimate sacrifice for her socially ambitious daughter, has become one of the most resonant figures in American culture. Produced by Samuel Goldwyn and directed by Henry King, the film is a powerful indictment of the rigid class barriers then emerging in the prosperous, postwar America of the 1920s.
The MoMA Silent Film Selection series will continue Saturday, August 3, with a showing of “The Navigator,” starring Buster Keaton, and live piano accompaniment.
“The Riverfront Museum is honored to be chosen by the great Museum of Modern Art to help bring their world-class collection of films to the Midwest, starting with this silent film series,” said John Morris, president and CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum. “This continues to build on our terrific relationship with New York’s finest cultural enterprises.”
A full list of films included in the MoMA Film Selection series is available at peoriariverfrontGST.org.
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is the only multidisciplinary institution of its kind in the nation combining art, science, history and achievement. The museum is dedicated to using its collections, exhibitions, film planetarium and programming to tell the stories that build confidence; create a culture of lifelong learning; and unleash the full talent and genius of every individual.
ContactMelody Konrad, Peoria Riverfront Museum digital content coordinator at MKonrad@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org.
