Whiplash with Justin Hurwitz
I was lucky to be part of the inaugural run of shows for Whiplash: Live, an unforgettable experience that brought the intense and electrifying world of Whiplash to life on stage in a whole new way. The performance was not just a movie screening—it was an immersive musical experience where the film was shown live, accompanied by a full big band and a world-class percussion section. The performance of Whiplash was especially thrilling because the movie's music—composed by Justin Hurwitz—was performed with an energy and precision that mirrored the passion and intensity of the film itself.
Justin Hurwitz is a name that many associate with some of the most iconic and emotionally powerful film scores of the past decade. While his Academy Award-winning work on La La Land earned him widespread recognition, his journey as a composer started with Whiplash, a film that captured the pressure cooker of jazz music and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Hurwitz’s score for Whiplash was a key part of what made the film so captivating—his compositions for the big band jazz ensemble were energetic, tight, and full of tension, much like the film itself.
But Hurwitz’s talents don’t stop there. After his success with Whiplash, he went on to compose the stunning and equally ambitious score for La La Land (2016), which won him two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (for "City of Stars"). His musical work on La La Land helped to create one of the most memorable film scores in modern cinema. He followed that success with other major projects, including Babylon (2022) and First Man (2018), continuing to prove his versatility across genres—from the sweeping orchestral work of First Man to the jazz-infused chaos of Babylon.
The Whiplash Live experience was a unique celebration of Hurwitz’s exceptional work. It offered fans a chance to see Whiplash in a completely new light. With a large ensemble of musicians—including a jazz big band and an explosive percussion section—performing live, it felt like the music from the film was jumping off the screen. This live, synchronized performance gave audiences the opportunity to experience the thrilling musicality of Whiplash firsthand, with every drumbeat from J.K. Simmons' character Fletcher, every horn riff from the band, and every cinematic crescendo taking on a new level of visceral energy in the concert hall.
Being part of the inaugural run of Whiplash Live was a deeply special experience. The combination of the film’s powerful storytelling and Justin Hurwitz’s unforgettable compositions, performed live by such a talented group of musicians, was a celebration of music, cinema, and the creative process. It was an immersive show that brought fans closer to the artistry behind one of the most celebrated films of recent years.
These photos are currently in use for Hurwitz Concerts’ Whiplash Live which is currently touring the world.
