Invincible Czars: The Phantom of the Opera 100th Anniversary
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!
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 operated 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)
