The monumental film *Gladiator*, directed by Ridley Scott, won five Oscars at the 2001 Academy Awards, including the coveted Best Picture as well as Best Actor for Russell Crowe’s outstanding performance as Maximus. The film became a major box-office success—not only because of its excellent cast, but also due to the epic soundscapes created by film composer Hans Zimmer together with Lisa Gerrard. The Golden Globe–winning and Oscar-nominated soundtrack is already impressive in a standard cinema setting—performed live by over 150 musicians, it becomes a truly unforgettable experience.
Following the acclaimed concerts in early 2025, this cinematic concert spectacle will return to the KKL Luzern in November 2027—presented by the 21st Century Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of Ludwig Wicki, who will bring the soundtrack to life in brilliant quality in front of a specially installed cinema screen.
Maximus is a powerful Roman general, beloved by both the people and the aging Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Before his death, the emperor names Maximus as his heir rather than his own son, Commodus. A struggle for power leads to Maximus and his family being sentenced to death. Unable to save his family, the once-mighty general is captured and sold into slavery, forced to fight in the Colosseum. The only thing that drives him now is the chance to take revenge on Commodus, restore his honor, avenge his family, and win freedom for his people.
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The monumental film *Gladiator* by Ridley Scott won five Oscars at the 2001 Academy Awards, including the coveted awards for **Best Picture** and **Best Actor** for Russell Crowe’s outstanding performance.
The popular Roman general Maximus is betrayed, and his family is murdered by the corrupt son of an emperor. Sold into slavery, the general returns to Rome as a gladiator, determined to take revenge.
The film became a box-office hit—not least due to the monumental soundscapes created by film composer Hans Zimmer together with Lisa Gerrard. The Golden Globe–winning soundtrack is already impressive in a regular cinema setting—performed live by more than 150 musicians, it becomes a spectacular experience.
Following the acclaimed concerts in early 2025, this cinematic concert spectacle will return to KKL Luzern in November 2027—presented by the 21st Century Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of Ludwig Wicki, who will bring the soundtrack to life in brilliant quality in front of a specially installed cinema screen.
21st Century Orchestra
21st Century Chorus
Ludwig Wicki, Conductor
