Music Movies
John Williams: Maestro Of The Movies At The Hollywood Bowl This Weekend August 22-24
“Look at all of you…it really is magical, isn’t it?” – John Williams
Beginning in 1981, John Williams has become an annual fixture at the Bowl—a nearly unbroken run of summers (sometimes with the LA Phil, sometimes with the Pops) where enormous crowds gather under the stars, in this scenic amphitheater just off the 101 freeway, to listen to his popular themes. Audiences swarm the place to hear Williams conduct his own music, consistently selling out the nearly 18,000-seat venue—even across three nights, “John Williams nights” have become a favorite staple of summertime in Los Angeles, a yearly tradition for local families and out-of-town fans.
In the last fifteen years it has become a ritual for audience members to bring glowing toy lightsabers and wave them in time to selections from Star Wars; last summer Williams got in on the act himself with a “duel” onstage with his co-conductor, LA Phil music director Gustavo Dudamel (a friend and unabashed Williams fanboy).
In the past few years, with the popularity of ComicCon and cosplay, fans have begun showing up in costumes of their favorite characters from the movies that Williams has scored.
The electric energy in every audience – of all ages is the kind of thing one would expect to see at a rock concert. Without fail, year after year, the Bowl fills to capacity with families and individuals who feel a profound emotional connection to the music of this unflashy, aging maestro, and they roar their love for the man and his music.
John Williams, now 93, may or may not have conducted his last concert at the Hollywood Bowl. He may or may not be there this weekend for the 3-night run – but make no mistake, get the orchestra on stage, with a Williams ICONIC set list, and the fans come in droves. For those lucky enough over the years to have seen Williams himself conducting, it is a magical experience. Even famed director and frequent Williams collaborator and boss, Steven Spielberg has gotten in on the action, one year being on stage at the Bowl to introduce film clips from some of the most famous films the two have done together.
A cherished Bowl tradition, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and conductor David Newman salute one of Hollywood’s living legends with three performances of John Williams: Maestro of the Movies this weekend, August 22-24. Featuring some of the biggest hits and beloved classics of the silver screen, this all-Williams program also includes a spectacular selection of film clips—from Star Wars and Indiana Jones to Superman and Dear Basketball (in its entirety!)—on the Bowl’s big screens. So, fire up your lightsabers… and may the Force be with you!
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