John Williams concert scores big with little people
Where's Han Solo when you need him? The House-O-Fun's ringmaster and his apprentice join the Dark Side.
The kids were out in full force, or let’s say the Force was with them at the SLSO’s tribute to John Williams. Saturday’s concert was sold out, and Sunday’s was packed.
Concertgoers were greeted by ‘Star Wars’ characters, including Storm Troopers and the heavy-breathing Darth Vader.
‘Star Wars’ isn’t the only famous movie soundtrack by John Williams; he has worked on more than 100 films so the orchestra had no shortage of material.
David Robertson was effervescent as usual, chatting before each song and building suspense. Hits included themes from ‘The Cowboys,’ ‘Jaws,’ ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘JFK,’ ‘Superman,’ ‘Schindler’s List,’ ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘E.T.’
But the crowd was whipped into a frenzy when the ‘Star Wars’ theme erupted. And Robertson never let up. He offered three songs from the film, including the ominous ode to the bad guys, ‘Imperial March.’
The concert choice was a shrewd selection for the orchestra, exposing a diverse group of people to their talents. As Yoda would say, attract a new, younger audience, it did.
Welcome to the media circus. I'm Charles Williams, online entertainment editor and operator of this ride. 
What a totally awesome concert!! I took my 14yr old and 16yr old and we all loved every minute of it. David Robertson was so enthusiastic and entertaining. The SLSO really brought John Williams’ music to life as I’ve never heard it before. Ending with the theme to Indiana Jones was perfect. A day we’ll always remember.
I’m not sure I’d call them “songs”…maybe “selections” or “pieces”. “Songs” are music pieces you sing to.
Regardless, this concert was indeed breathtaking. I attended the Saturday night concert, and the SLSO performed impeccably. I was expecting to hear at least one brass flub during the performance of “Olympic Fanfare and Theme”, but they performed it flawlessly. “The Imperial March” sounded just as good if not better than the original 1980 recording. It was quite the treat to hear the extended “Throne Room” piece. And what a way to finish it all off to Marian’s Theme and “The Raiders March”.
All in all, what a night. I’m still applauding. Thanks to Maestro Robertson and the entire SLSO for a spectacular concert.
The show was a work or art…a masterpiece. David Robertson should be commended for his preparation and energy that he shared with the audience. As soon as we got home, my 10-year-old daughter said to me, “Can we go see that again?”
My compilation CD of 40 years of John Williams music is on order right now!