Acclaimed composer and song-writer Alan Menken was moved and speechless after a magic ride of concert festivities that culminated with standing ovations by Viennese audiences, while he received the Max Steiner Achievement Award by the City of Vienna.
(c) Jürgen Hammerschmid
What’s Happening:
- The award was handed to Alan by Viennese City Councilor Peter Hanke and Hollywood in Vienna Founder Sandra Tomek.
- The ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Michael Kosarin and musical performers led by Broadway’s Susan Egan and Adam Jacobs performed during a brilliant and elegant concert in Menken’s honor.
- Menken amassed eight Oscars in a seven-year span (1989-95). He won best original score for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Pocahontas and best original song with songs from those same films (“Under the Sea,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “A Whole New World” and “Colors of the Wind,” respectively).
- You can learn more about Menken and his late songwriting partner Howard Ashman in Jim’s recent Disney Legends Spotlight.
- The Max Steiner Film Music Award is presented annually by the City of Vienna to renowned film music composers. Past awardees include:
- Gabriel Yared (2019)
- Hans Zimmer (2018)
- Danny Elfman (2017)
- Alexander Desplat (2016)
- James Newton Howard (2015)
- Randy Newman (2014)
- James Horner (2013)
- Lalo Schifrin (2012)
- Alan Silvestri (2011)
- Howard Shore (2010)
- John Barry (2009)
(c) Jürgen Hammerschmid
What They’re Saying:
- Alan Menken said: “Over the years I received many awards, but my stay in Vienna and this very special night are truly magical for me. It’s a huge honor which fills me with pride to now be associated with Max Steiner, the father of film music. I love Vienna. Thanks Sandra [Tomek].”
- City Counselor Peter Hanke said: “Tonight we honor a genius composer of film music. Someone who brought to life magical sea creatures, princesses, flying carpets, and numerous other figures and stories through his beautiful melodies and songs. It fills me with pride that we have the opportunity to honor Alan Menken in Vienna and I thank and congratulate Hollywood in Vienna founder Sandra Tomek and her team for this wonderful and important concert event and award show, which celebrated its tenth anniversary this year.”