Fohr and Sparhawk Will Score Nosferatu in Chicago
The live musical performance at the Studebaker Theater on October 17 will precede a new record imprint launch.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Classical
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Musicians Haley Fohr and Alan Sparhawk will perform a live score for the 1922 film Nosferatu at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago on October 17. Following the event, Fohr will officially launch her new record imprint, Selector Series, on October 31.
Why it matters
The collaboration showcases a creative evolution in film scoring, as Fohr aims to formalize the release of her soundtracks through a dedicated platform. Fohr chose the film for its specific lighting, architecture, and its underlying allegory of vampiric love.
The inaugural release from the Selector Series imprint is a 37-minute version of the Nosferatu score. General admission tickets for the Chicago event are $40, with a $65 tier that includes a movie poster.
The players
Haley Fohr
A musician and composer who previously scored the 1923 film Salomé using voice, viola, upright bass, and drums.
Alan Sparhawk
A musician collaborating with Fohr on the live score for the 1922 film Nosferatu.
The details
Fohr recorded the score while living in Duluth, Minnesota, creating the sound by dumping musical stems onto reel-to-reels and quarter-inch tapes that were then physically damaged. The score was mixed by Seth Manchester at Machines with Magnets, and the music is available through Patreon, mail order, and at live shows.
Timeline
2018: Fohr created a live score for the 1923 film Salomé.
October 17: Fohr and Sparhawk perform the Nosferatu score in Chicago.
October 31: Fohr launches her record imprint, Selector Series.
Industry Dynamics
This project continues the trend of musicians creating original live accompaniments for classic silent films. It also highlights the shift toward artists launching self-managed record imprints to release niche catalog soundtracks and archival recordings.
Attendees in Chicago can choose between standard $40 entry or a $65 ticket that includes a movie poster. The music from the score can also be accessed remotely by fans via mail order or through the artist's Patreon page.
The takeaway
Fohr's transition to releasing scores through her own imprint offers a sustainable model for artists to curate and distribute specialized archival work. Fans interested in film scoring can look for future releases as the Selector Series project continues on a biannual schedule.
What happens next
Fohr and Sparhawk will embark on a short European tour following the Chicago performance, and Fohr plans to release a new record through the Selector Series imprint every six months.
Further reading
Discover more about ongoing performances in the Chicago Classical section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Reader.
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