Natalie Holt is the internationally acclaimed composer set to host this FFG Session and has chosen to perform "Loki: TVA Theme" from the Marvel TV series Loki (Disney+). Natalie re-orchestrated the original score, which combines a traditional orchestra with vintage analog synthesizers, Scandinavian folk instruments and the eerie, unsettling electronic sounds of the theremin. For the FFG Sessions, she presents a new chamber music version of the score, showcasing her talent with this fresh and original adaptation.

The other piece that the students perform alongside Natalie Holt and composer and violinist Daniel Hart, is "Fever Dream", an ambient piece from a scene in the film Distancia de rescate (or Fever Dream, Netflix) by Claudia Llosa, where one of the characters is rowing a boat, having a nightmarish dream.

Natalie Holt

Multi-award winning composer Natalie Holt is known equally for large orchestral arrangements and intimate, textural and at times experimental electro-acoustic compositions. Enriched by her experience as a classically trained violinist, Holt’s work exists in the liminal space between orchestral, electronic and contemporary. Some of Natalie Holt’s recent works include Loki and Deadwater Fell (starring David Tennant). Her music can be heard on Wallander (starring Kenneth Branagh), the series Knightfall (starring Mark Hamill), and many more. She has also contributed additional music to Paul King’s Paddington. Holt’s distinction in her field was recognised by being made an Associate of the Royal Academy in 2017. Natalie Holt was also a World Soundtrack Award nominee for the 2021 Discovery of the Year Award (with Infidel) and the Television Composer of the Year Award (for Loki - Season 1), and she became the first woman to score a live-action Star Wars project. In 2022 Natalie Holt, together with John Williams, was recognised at the World Soundtrack Awards with a nomination in the category Television Composer of the Year for her compositions for the Disney+ show Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Film Fest Gent and the World Soundtrack Awards

Film music has been in Film Fest Gent’s DNA for decades. This unique focus spawns a host of events and projects running across the year. During our annual WSA Film Music Days (15 – 17 Oct 2024) the festival offers a diverse film music programme, with talks, networking events and concerts, culminating with its annual highlight, the World Soundtrack Awards. In 2001 FFG launched the WSAcademy, the largest community of film music professionals worldwide, deciding yearly on the winners of the WSAwards. With the FFG sessions the festival wants to promote young film music talent and further support the art of film music.

“The generosity with which the international composers share their music and knowledge is heartwarming. The FFG Sessions provide an unforgettable experience for the students who perform alongside seasoned composers and build an inspiring repertoire of film music for small ensembles that we can offer to conservatories.” - Marijke Vandebuerie, General Manager Film Fest Gent

Photo © Bas Bogaerts