“How Scotland Inspired Kevin Costner’s Cowboy Soundtrack”
Kevin Costner’s latest film, Horizon: An American Saga, which runs over three hours, boasts an extensive list of credits, including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) for its soundtrack. Costner, who has envisioned this four-film project for nearly 40 years, approached the RSNO last year after composer John Debney, known for works like Elf and The Passion of the Christ, suggested Scotland as a recording location.
“I had no recording options in LA, so when I mentioned Scotland, Kevin’s eyes lit up,” Debney recalled. Both he and Costner spent five days at the RSNO Centre last August, immersed in the scoring sessions. Costner expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with the orchestra, highlighting their emotional connection to the film. “It’s a thrilling moment in filmmaking to see the musicians engage with the project,” he said.
The RSNO has a rich history of recording work, especially after moving into its dedicated facility in 2015. As the only UK orchestra with in-house capabilities for film scoring, they have worked with major clients like Warner Bros and Netflix. However, due to non-disclosure agreements, they can’t announce their projects until release.
Their collaboration on Horizon has already garnered acclaim, including an 11-minute standing ovation at Cannes. Costner actively participated in the recording, choosing to sit among the musicians, making the experience more personal for everyone involved.
Having previously worked together on the series Hatfields and McCoys, Costner and Debney share a deep passion for Westerns, with Costner’s Dances With Wolves winning seven Oscars. Although they hoped to return to Glasgow for the next installment of Horizon, scheduling conflicts prevented it, but technology allowed them to join the sessions virtually.
Costner is eager to continue the saga, hoping to work with the RSNO again for future films. He emphasized the orchestra’s vital role in the filmmaking process and the unforgettable experience of hearing a full orchestra perform.
For the RSNO, the revenue from such recordings is crucial, especially in times of tight public funding. CEO Alistair Mackie aims to connect the orchestra with a broader audience through these projects, demonstrating that even those who may not enjoy classical music can appreciate the RSNO’s contributions to popular film scores. “Scotland’s name travels with that music,” he noted, underscoring the orchestra’s relevance to the community.
