Tár: egocentric, minimalistic, yet divine

Egocentric, minimalistic, yet divine is how Todd Field's new drama Tár could be described.

Two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett plays Lydia Tár, a maestro of high-profile and arguably an individual of many complexities. She is days away from recording a symphony that would elevate her career to the next level, but allegations against her from an old student and the sudden influx of sound sensitivity come together to burn her out.

Whilst slow in dynamics, Tár is never dull. It's compelling to see the titular character is a woman, and the topic of women in classical music is central to the film. Typically when it comes to film composing we see male names in the credits, for example: Hans Zimmer and Carter Burwell. However, in recent years, female composers are finally getting recognition they deserve. Appropriately, the score for Tár was composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir, who won an Oscar for her previous work with Todd Field on Joker. Tár is a celebration of all females in the composing world, whether they are maestros or simply students.

The Showroom on Friday 20th January are welcoming orchestral conductor Dr Cayenna Ponchione-Bailey, who will do a special introduction to Tár and highlight the ins and outs of being a maestro.

Additionally, on Thursday 26th January the cinema will be programming a special screening of the documentary Call Me Madame Maestro to tie in with Tár. It's the perfect double-bill if you are interested in understanding more about how composing works, in addition to seeing Cate Blanchett's Golden Globe winning performance. Audiences will be able to attend a Q&A following the screening, led by Jo Towler of Music in the Round. Director Christina Olofson will be joining via Zoom, with Ponchione-Bailey who features in the film returning to the Showroom to talk more with audience members.