WSA Film Music Days: James Horner: Autism and the Creative Process: a Discussion with his Widow, Sara Horner

It has been often overlooked, but nonetheless crucial: James Horner’s iconic scores for classics like Titanic, Avatar and Braveheart were not only shaped by technical craftsmanship and surprising sources of inspiration, but just as much by autism. Through personal anecdotes and examples, the composer’s widow, Sara Horner, discusses how her husband’s Asperger’s Syndrome has profoundly influenced his career. Horner’s unique sense for detail and ability to notice what remains hidden to others has resulted time and again in award winning scores. What has often made him different, also made him stand out on a musical level. Together with fellow-composers and specialists in the field, Sara Horner explores how autism and creativity interact.

Michael Levine - moderator
Composer, songwriter, and violinist Michael A. Levine is an eight-time ASCAP award recipient for work ranging from the dramas Cold Case and Close to Home (Jerry Bruckheimer/CBS), to the George Lucas-produced Star Wars Detours. His theme song for the award-winning documentary Landfill Harmonic was Oscar shortlisted, as was his song ‘Running’ with legendary vocalist Roberta Flack for the feature documentary 3100: Run and Become.

Sara Horner was born in Los Angeles, but has lived in the Santa Monica Mountains for most of her life, surrounded by canyons and cliffs, family and friends. She studied studio arts at UCLA, where she met her life partner, composer James Horner. They shared a deep love of art, music and science.

Emily Horner is James Horner's daughter.

Linda Sonck is managing partner of creative communications agency Billie Bonkers x DIFT and mother in a neurodiverse family. Soon, she will leave the communication sector and become the new director of the Flemish Autism Association. She wants to commit 100% as an ambassador for this organisation and create a world where every person with autism can develop to their full potential and where those around them find the support they need.

Accredited visitors can attend this talk for free, without registration. Others are asked to present a ticket.