The LA Philharmonic Celebrates the Enduring Legacy of John Williams With New Concert Series

Kevin Taft details a series of enchanting concerts featuring works by the legendary composer John Williams and his 45-year history with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is set to captivate music enthusiasts with a series of enchanting concerts featuring works by the legendary composer John Williams and his 45-year history with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

As a testament to his unparalleled contribution to the world of film scoring, this event promises an unforgettable experience. The inaugural evening will showcase the classic score from one of his many iconic collaborations with director Steven Spielberg, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Under the baton of maestro Gustavo Dudamel, the LA Philharmonic will breathe new life into the beloved soundtrack live as the film plays on a screen above the stage.

See Also: “The Music of Star Wars” Gets Its Star!

Continuing the series, a special tribute night will look at over a hundred years of classic film scores in “A Century of Film.” Conducted by David Newman, this evening will be curated by John Williams and will explore the most famous Hollywood scores in cinematic history. This promises to be an exhilarating and emotional performance, leaving audiences in awe of the enduring legacy of the music of motion pictures.

Continuing the celebration of John Williams’ extraordinary career, the concert series will showcase one of William’s most memorable scores with Superman: The Movie. For one night only, Thomas Wilkins will conduct the score of the 1978 Christopher Reeve classic while the film shines above the orchestra to delight generations old and new.

And lastly, Gustavo Dudamel will return to conduct the Grand Suite from Williams’ “Harry Potter” scores, along with a performance of the “Philharmonia Fantastique” by Mason Bates.

The John Williams concert offerings at the Walt Disney Concert Hall promise to be an enchanting journey through the world of film music, serving as a fitting tribute to one of the greatest composers of our time.

For information and tickets, click on the event listings below.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in Concert

Thursday, November 2, at 8 PM
Friday, November 3, at 8 PM

A Century of Film

Friday, February 2, at 8:00 PM
Saturday, February 3, at 2:00 PM
Sunday, February 4, at 2:00 PM

Superman in Concert

Friday, March 15, at 8:00 PM

Dudamel Conducts Harry Potter

Saturday, May 18, at 2:00 PM
Sunday, May 19, at 2:00 PM

Written by
Kevin is a long-time movie buff with a wide variety of tastes and fixations in the film world. He cried the moment Benji appeared onscreen in “Benji,” and it took him about four times to finally watch “The Exorcist” (at age 24) without passing out. “Star Wars: A New Hope” was the movie that changed everything and when his obsession with films and filmmaking began. A screenwriter himself (one long-ago horror script sale to New Line remains on a shelf), his first film "Two Tickets to Paradise" that he co-wrote premiered in June 2022 on Hallmark. He is currently working on another for the iconic brand.

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