Los Angeles
John Williams: Maestro Of The Movies At THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL
“Look at all of you…it really is magical, isn’t it?” – John Williams
This past weekend, fans were treated to 3 nights of some of the most iconic music in Hollywood movie history, conducted by “the maestro” himself, John Williams. Williams, still going strong at 91, appeared on stage, like a spritely Jedi master…with hundreds of light sabers lighting up the Hollywood Bowl in his honor. We’re guessing this is something he has gotten used to, considering that Saturday night marked an impressive 100th performance at the Bowl for Williams, a run that began in 1977.
The first half of the performance with the LA Philharmonic, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, was a selection of well-known scores curated by John Williams, as pieces that are special to him, including Hooray for Hollywood, The Cowboys, and Vertigo. Dudamel then launched into some memorable pieces composed by Williams such as Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (“Duel of the Fates”), Amistad, and finally the main theme from Superman, that was perfectly accompanied by a video montage of Williams’ career.
The second half of the show was clearly what the crowd was waiting for, and with light sabers in hand, they were ready! Amazingly, but not surprisingly, Williams walks out on stage with little fanfare. No announcement, no introduction (as if one were needed… lol). He simply does what he does, and clearly loves. He walks to the podium, and after a short bow, taps the baton, acknowledges the orchestra, and away we go!
I’m sure, after having composed over 150 movie scores, it’s not easy to pick just a few. And to be fair, outside of Star Wars, Williams tries to not play the same thing time after time when he performs yearly at the Bowl. This year’s lineup included selections from the Indiana Jones franchise, both new (“Helena’s Theme”) and familiar (“Raiders March”). Fan favorite Jurassic Park also made the cut this time, as well as an unbelievable performance of Schindler’s List, by Williams long-time Hollywood bowl Concertmaster and first chair violin virtuoso, Bing Wang. It’s absolutely incredible to see live, if you get the chance.
From there, it was off to a galaxy far, far away, which is clearly what the fans came for – selections from Star Wars, including “Asteroid Field,” “Princess Leia’s Theme,” and “Throne Room and Finale.” It was during this last selection that Williams and Dudamel participated in a hilariously epic light saber battle. And the crowd ate it up, cheering and begging for more.
During the encore, Williams delivered an emotional finale, with E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Empire Strikes Back (“Yoda’s Theme) and “The Imperial March” aka, Darth Vader’s Theme. All this, and it took THREE curtain calls by Williams to get the crowd out of there. The “Maestro” indeed.
The Hollywood Bowl’s other “Music from the Stage and Screen” events.
August 3: A Live Presentation of 2001: A Space Odyssey
As Warner Bros. celebrates 100 years of entertaining audiences around the world, the Hollywood Bowl will add a highlight to the yearlong celebration through Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi epic 2001: A Space Odyssey. A landmark film in the 1960s, it has topped many critics’ lists for greatest film of all time. A key ingredient in Kubrick’s cinematic alchemy was his clever use of classical music, which forever changed and gave new meaning set against stunning celestial imagery. From the ethereal music of György Ligeti to Richard Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra and Johann Strauss, Jr.’s The Blue Danube, watch and listen as the Los Angeles Philharmonic performs the score live to picture while the movie shows on the Bowl’s big screens.
August 4 and 5: Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Concert
Walt Disney Animation Studios has shown us stories that have defined our humanity and inspired the world to wish upon a star. Journey through the most iconic song and film moments of the studio’s treasured legacy live in concert, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Fantasia to The Little Mermaid to Encanto. Special guest artists join Thomas Wilkins and the LA Phil for an unforgettable experience under the stars, complete with magical film clips on the big screen.
September 1 & 2: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
In the climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, Darth Vader readies the second Death Star to unleash the final blow to the Rebel Alliance. Luke Skywalker joins R2-D2, C-3PO, and Princess Leia to free Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and launch a desperate attack upon the entire Imperial Fleet. Watch the complete film unfold as David Newman and the Los Angeles Philharmonic performs John Williams’ legendary score live to picture.
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox, Lucasfilm and Warner/Chappell Music. © All rights reserved. ©2023 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. All Rights Reserved © Disney SEE OTHER CONCERTS IN THIS SERIES
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