A Sweeping concert of cinema’s most beloved love themes, guest-conducted by Richard Kaufman
Valentine’s weekend comes alive with the romance and timeless storytelling of classic film music when the Santa Barbara Symphony presents Romantic Hollywood on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 7:30 PM and Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the Granada Theatre. Audiences are also encouraged to don Valentine-inspired attire (red and pink) and attend a 30-minute pre-concert chat, “Conversations with KUSC” (hosted by on-air personality Jennifer Miller Hammel), at 6:30 PM and 2:00 PM before each performance.
From the love-lorn yearning of Out of Africa and Dr. Zhivago to the nostalgia of Casablanca and Gone with the Wind, the weekend’s repertoire captures love in all its forms: tender, dramatic, playful, and triumphant. Led by acclaimed guest conductor Richard Kaufman, this enchanting program invites audiences to experience the emotional sweep of Hollywood’s most unforgettable love stories and music that has defined romance on screen for generations. Audiences can also expect moments of drama and passion drawn from beloved films such as The Godfather and Ghost; whimsy from films like Lady and the Tramp and Young Frankenstein; and even swashbuckling favorites from Pirates of the Caribbean — all curated to reflect the mood and excitement of Valentine’s weekend.
Few conductors are as uniquely suited to lead this cinematic journey as Kaufman. A lifelong champion of film music, Kaufman has devoted much of his career to conducting, supervising, and recording music for film and television, as well as bringing iconic scores into the concert hall. He is currently in his 21st season leading the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s popular CSO at the Movies series, and he holds the permanent titles of Pops Conductor Laureate with the Dallas Symphony and Principal Pops Conductor Laureate of Pacific Symphony.
Kaufman’s deep connection to film music extends far beyond the podium. He has conducted live-to-film performances of more than 30 motion pictures, including E.T., Jaws, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, and Pirates of the Caribbean, and he’s earned a Grammy Award for his recordings. His career also includes work as a violinist on iconic film scores and nearly two decades supervising music for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer television and animation projects, experience that brings rare authenticity and insight to every performance. Click here for Kaufman’s full biography.
This program also highlights the Santa Barbara Symphony’s distinctive strengths. The Symphony orchestra is comprised of some of the most sought-after musicians on the West Coast. These musicians are equally at home performing classical masterworks as they are recording for television and film. Many boast credits on the original film scores for blockbusters like Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Adding to the weekend’s allure, Romantic Hollywood arrives on the heels of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, offering film and music lovers another compelling way to experience the magic of movies — this time through the power of a live symphony orchestra. Together, the Festival and these concerts create a celebratory moment for audiences who cherish storytelling on screen and on stage.
Romantic Hollywood tickets can be purchased online, in person, or by calling the Granada Theatre box office at (805) 899-2222. For additional details, visit TheSymphony.org.
THE ARTISTS
Richard Kaufman, guest conductor
THE REPERTOIRE
The Untouchables — Main Theme
Music by Ennio Morricone
Out of Africa — “Flying Over Africa”
Music by John Barry
Gone with the Wind — “Tara (A Short Poem for Orchestra)” Music by Max Steiner, arranged by Campbell Watson
Dr. Zhivago — Prelude and “Lara’s Theme”
Music by Maurice Jarre
Casablanca — Suite Music by Max Steiner
The Godfather — “Love Theme” (accordion solo) Music by Nino Rota
Lady and the Tramp — “Bella Notte”
Music by Sonny Burke, lyrics by Peggy Lee
Friendly Persuasion — “Thee I Love”
Music by Dimitri Tiomkin, arranged by David Rose
The Witches of Eastwick — “The Devil’s Dance” Music by John
Gigi — “The Night They Invented Champagne” Music by Frederick Loewe
Ghost — “Unchained Melody” Music by Alex North
The Old Man and the Sea — “I Am Your Dream” (violin solo) Music by Dimitri Tiomkin
Splash — “Love Theme” (piano solo)
Music by Lee Holdridge, arranged by Keith Smith
Pirates of the Caribbean — Selections
Music by Klaus Badelt, arranged by Ted Ricketts
(Includes “Fog Bound,” “The Medallion Calls,” “The Black Pearl,” and “He’s a Pirate”)
Young Frankenstein — “The Transylvanian Lullaby” (violin solo) Music by John Morris
Yes, Giorgio — “If I Were in Love” Music by John Williams
The Addams Family Values — “Tango” (accordion feature) Music by Marc Shaiman, accordion theme by Vic Mizzy
SEASON AND CONCERT SPONSORS
Season Sponsor
Sarah & Roger Chrisman
Corporate Season Sponsor
Montecito Bank & Trust
Grand Venue Sponsor
The Granada Theatre
Principal Concert Sponsor
Ann Jackson Family Foundation
Artist Sponsor
Rachel Kaganoff
Selection Sponsors
Susan & Adam Berger
Eve Bernstein
Davis & Bobsey Fansler
Susan & Bruce Worster
