The iconic moment when Mary Philbin removed Lon Chaney's mask in The Phantom of the Opera (1925, dir. Rupert Julian) is one of cinema’s most enduring images. Now, The Invincible Czars will bring their signature blend of eclectic instrumentation, adventurous arrangements and sense of  emotional depth to this 100-year-old classic with their new, tastefully modern soundtrack, performing it live with the film in art house cinemas across the US and Canada in 2025. 

The tour will celebrate the 100th anniversary of this early American horror film.  The band has been captivating both music and film enthusiasts across North America since 2015 when their soundtrack for Nosferatu earned them accolades in the art house community and made them staple of the silent film circuit. 

The Czars’ Phantom of the Opera soundtrack is the culmination of nearly a year of meticulous composition, recording, and collaboration. The group drew inspiration from the film’s gothic visuals and haunting narrative to craft a score using their primary instruments: piano, violin, electric guitar/bass, organ, flute, drums and bass clarinet.  They create a live experience so immersive that it’s easy to forget the music is being played live at times!

Honoring the Film’s Legacy and Legendary Stars

Based on an earlier book that struggled with sales, the release of the film gave international celebrity to the story and the character of the Phantom (and eventually to the longest running show in Broadway history.)  

The film owes much of that legacy to the unforgettable performances of its stars. Lon Chaney, known as "The Man of a Thousand Faces," delivered a career-defining portrayal of the Phantom, captivating audiences with his masterful makeup and deeply emotional performance as a troubled musical genius dismissed by society.

Co-star Mary Philbin brought grace and poignancy to the role of Christine Daaé, the opera singer who becomes the object of the Phantom's obsession.  The Invincible Czars’ composition choices and dynamics often hinge on Philbin’s masterful portrayal of Christine's emotions, especially her facial expressions.  Philbin was every bit Chaney’s equal when it came to acting and together, their on-screen chemistry and nuanced performances helped solidify the film’s status as a landmark in cinematic history. The Invincible Czars' score pays homage to their artistry, underscoring the depth and drama of both  characters.

Recordings

The Invincible Czars partnered with renowned engineer Jason Schimmel (Secret Chiefs 3, Estradasphere) to capture the soundtrack’s vivid textures and dynamics. The recording showcases the group’s distinctive instrumentation, classical flourishes, dynamics and breadth of emotional expression.  The complete recording will be available on all streaming services.

The Czars have also recorded a rockin’ rendition of the music from the masquerade ball scene entitled “The Mad Merry Bal Masque” available digitally and as a 7” vinyl single. The track and its B-side were recorded by one of Austin’s most beloved indie-rock producers, Chico Jones.

On Tour

*** DATES IN CALIFORNIA AND ARIZONA WILL FEATURE FOLEY ARTIST GREGG BARBANELL (Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul) ***

The Invincible Czars will perform all over North America with soundtracks to Phantom of the Opera in 2025. They'll also bring back their soundtracks for The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Nosferatu on select dates. The tour kicks off with a Pacific Northwest leg in April 2024 and continues through the Midwest in June, followed by California, Utah, and the Southwest in September. Finally, the tour wraps up with performances in the Northeast in October and November, offering audiences across the country the opportunity to experience their mesmerizing blend of music and film in live setting.

For programming and operations staff, see our Tech Rider.

About The Invincible Czars

Hailing from Austin, Texas, The Invincible Czars have been “keeping it weird” since 2003 when they could be found playing their left-of-the-dial music in clubs like Emo’s and Stubb’s.  In 2004, they stepped into the arts realm with their re-imagined version of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. In 2006, they began performing live silent film soundtracks at the first Alamo Drafthouse and have since blazed their own touring circuit of cinemas, colleges and PACs across the US and Canada.

Their tastefully modern silent films soundtracks and dynamic live performances give modern day audiences a context in which to appreciate early cinema and they have earned accolades from film and music buffs alike.

With influences ranging from film composers like Bernard Herrmann and Graham Reynolds to their favorite oddball rockers like Primus and Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, The Invincible Czars create an unforgettable live experience that appeals to audiences of all backgrounds.

Since 2018, the group has operate more like a collective with a rotating cast of players. The fall 2025 touring roster is:

Gregg Barbanell - foley sound effects (CA and AZ show only)

Stefan Castro del-Bosque - drums, percussion, sound effects

Phil Davidson - violin, keyboards, percussion

Wes Haynes - keyboards

Josh Robins - guitar, bass guitar, sound effects

Kevin Sakai - flute, clarinet, bass clarinet (in for Lauryn Gould)