New Jersey Symphony Puts the 'Tunes' in 'Looney Tunes'

02/06/25 • 27 min

35 years ago–well before orchestras performing film scores became popular–George Daugherty and his husband and producing partner David Wong developed Bugs Bunny at the Symphony. The concept was new at the time: a world-class orchestra would play full cartoon scores live alongside the films. It was an instant hit.

Of course, what makes Looney Tunes music different from many of the film scores played live is that it's based on some of the most famous classical repertoire in history. In fact, pieces by composers like Wagner and Rossini were not only the basis for Looney Tunes scores, but also provided plotlines for Bugs, Elmer, Daffy and the gang.

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will perform Bugs Bunny at the Symphony February 14th, 15th, and 16th, so Jersey Arts spoke with creator George Daughtery (who tours with the program, conducting symphonies all over the world), and NJSO’s Vice President of Artistic Planning, Erin Norton, about their upcoming concerts.

Musical clips from "Warner Bros. Discovery Presents Bugs Bunny at the Symphony" used in this episode were performed by Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House, conducted by George Daugherty. LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements are © & TM Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

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Thanks for listening!

Subscribe to The Jersey Arts Podcast in your favorite podcast player.

The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene.

Subscribe to the Discover Jersey Arts' weekly e-newsletter to have stories delivered to your inbox.
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The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene.

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The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene.

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Jersey Arts Podcast - New Jersey Symphony Puts the 'Tunes' in 'Looney Tunes'

Transcript

Maddie Orton00:00:02.786

Hi , I'm Maddie Orton and this is the Jersey Arts Podcast . Thirty-five years ago , well before symphonies performing live scores became popular , George Doherty and his husband and producing partner , David Wong , developed Bugs Bunny at the Symphony . The concept was new at the time A world-class orchestra would play full cartoon scores live alongside the films , and it was an inst