100 Years of Hehmsoth Legacy at the Paramount Theatre
Three Generations, One Stage,
A Centuryof Music and History
From Baton to Jazz: A Century of Music at the Paramount
1910s–1930s: Carl Hehmsoth Sr. Conducts Silent Film Orchestras
Carl Hehmsoth Sr. served as musical director at the Majestic Theatre (now Paramount), orchestrating live music for silent films and vaudeville. His efforts helped define early Austin’s cultural identity, as recognized by a 1924 letter from the Majestic’s director.
1970s–2010s: Hank Hehmsoth's Paramount Performances
Hank Hehmsoth brought his innovative touch to the Paramount with performances as a jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. Highlights include scores for Broadway shows such as “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Nunsense,” and live music for historic silent films like “Nosferatu.”
2014: Philip Glass Collaboration
Hank Hehmsoth joined a 33-piece orchestra to perform Philip Glass’s multimedia symphony, “Icarus at the Edge of Time,” combining live music and film at the Paramount.
2015: Centennial Celebration
The Hehmsoth legacy came full circle when Hank and son Milo Hehmsoth were honored at the Paramount’s 100-Year Centennial Celebration. Three generations of Hehmsoths have performed on this historic stage.
Today: Continuing the Legacy
Hank Hehmsoth continues to perform and inspire at the Paramount, keeping his family's century-long legacy alive in Austin’s cultural history.
A memorable live performance at the historic Paramount Theatre in Austin, TX, featuring award-winning jazz musician Hank Hehmsoth and Carmen Bradford, 2025 Austin Jazz Society Hall of Fame inductee.
Full Circle: A Personal Reflection
“Every time I come to the Paramount...I see my father here, rehearsing the orchestra, bringing music to life, 35 years before I was born.”
"Every time I come to the Paramount, whether to attend an event or work as a music professional, I feel a connection with the past. I see my father in this historic space, conducting the orchestra, walking backstage, and rehearsing. Nearly 100 years later, I hope my performances connect today’s audiences to Austin’s rich cultural history through the timeless power of music. Performing at the Paramount always feels like stepping back in time and reconnecting with my father’s legacy. Nearly 100 years ago, he led orchestras here for silent films and vaudeville, adding live music to early Austin's cultural life. Now, as I perform here—whether with Double Vision, Broadway productions, or silent film live scores—I can’t help but feel the weight of that legacy and the joy of continuing his work.”
"This connection to the Paramount comes full circle every time I step on stage, especially during the 100th anniversary celebration when my son Milo joined me. Three generations of Hehmsoths have left our mark on this historic theater, from its earliest days as the Majestic to the vibrant cultural landmark it is today."
Excerpt from Carl Hehmsoth Sr.'s Book:
"It was 1924, and the Majestic Theatre was the pulse of Austin's entertainment. Each performance was a collaboration, a dance between the live orchestra and the silent screen, where every note underscored the story unfolding before the audience. The Paramount was more than a theater—it was a beacon for a city coming into its own."
"As I stood before the orchestra, baton in hand, I often thought about the power of music to bring people together. Little did I know that this theater would one day connect me to my son and grandson, bridging generations through the universal language of music."
The Majestic Years
Carl Hehmsoth Sr. and the Early Days of the Paramount Theatre
— "a story worth remembering"...
Step into the life and legacy of Carl Hehmsoth Sr., the Majestic Theatre’s first musical director. This digital book offers a rare collection of artifacts, personal letters, and reflections on the golden age of live music for silent films and vaudeville in Texas theaters. Discover how one man shaped Austin’s cultural history and inspired generations of musical talent.
Download the BookJoin Us in Celebrating a Century of Music and History
From silent film scores to live performances, the Hehmsoth family’s story is intertwined with the Paramount Theatre’s rich history. Join us in preserving this legacy by exploring rare artifacts, family memories, and stories of Austin's cultural evolution. Share your Paramount story with us!
The Hehmsoth Paramount Collection
Artifacts Gallery
A heartfelt letter from the Majestic Theatre director, praising Carl Hehmsoth Sr.'s contributions to Austin's cultural legacy.
An iconic image of the Paramount Theatre, formerly the Majestic, in its early 1900s grandeur.
A proud moment with Hank and son Milo Hehmsoth, continuing the family legacy at the Paramount Theatre’s 100-Year Celebration.
Carl Hehmsoth Sr., a pioneering music director, captured in this sepia photo from the early days of Austin’s cultural history.
A rare photograph of my father's string quartet, captured around 1909 in Germany. This image showcases the group's passion for classical music during a pivotal era in European history. Their dedication to performance and artistry resonates through generations.
A family photograph of the Hehmsoth family, taken in 1956. This image captures a moment of togetherness and history, preserving the familial bonds and cultural heritage of the era.
A 1908 photograph of Carl Hehmsoth in a German military uniform. This image reflects his service during a transformative period in German history, capturing the spirit and tradition of early 20th-century Europe.
Photograph of Carl Hehmsoth, Sr., in a tuxedo holding a conductor's baton, standing in front of his orchestra. This historic image captures Hehmsoth's role as Musical Director at the Paramount Theatre (formerly the Majestic) in Austin, Texas, during the silent film and vaudeville era of the early 1900s.
A 1908 studio photograph of Carl Hehmsoth, Sr., dressed in a German military uniform. Taken in an unknown photographer's studio, this formal portrait reflects the discipline and heritage of military service during early 20th-century Germany. The image is a significant part of the Hehmsoth family legacy.
A behind-the-scenes glimpse of Hank Hehmsoth with Double Vision and conductor John Mills rehearsing Philip Glass’s modern masterpiece "Icarus at the Edge of Time." This groundbreaking multimedia production reimagines the myth of Icarus as a young boy traveling near a black hole. Featuring live orchestral music, stunning visuals, and science fiction storytelling, the performance captivated audiences in 2014 at the Paramount Theatre.
Playing music for Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca during their two-week revival of "Your Show of Shows" at the Paramount Theatre was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Their chemistry and iconic performances captivated the audience, marking a nostalgic revival of classic television comedy.