Boston Symphony Hall, Boston, MA
May 28 & 29, 2009
The Boston Symphony Orchestra Conducted by JOHN WILLIAMS
‘Film Night’
CONCERT PROGRAM
- March from The Adventures of Robin Hood (Korngold)
- Suite from Jane Eyre [Lowood – To Thornfield – Reunion]
- Flight to Neverland from Hook
- Two Selections from E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial [Stargazers – Adventures On Earth]
INTERMISSION
- Hooray For Hollywood (Whiting-Williams)
- A Tribute to Stanley Donen:
You’re All The World To Me, from Royal Wedding
Bless Your Beautiful, from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
I Like Myself, from It’s Always Fair Weather
The Worry Song, from Anchors Aweigh
Singin’ In The Rain, from Singin’ In The Rain - Superman March
ENCORE
- Yoda’s Theme from The Empire Strikes Back
- Main Theme from Star Wars
Review by Dave B. Perry
I went to the Friday performance and listened to bits of the Saturday performance on the radio.
The tribute to Stanley Donen was fabulous. Very well put together, and a brilliant pairing of film and orchestra. I had no idea who Stanley Donen was before the concert, so I had no idea what to expect, but it was great. And listening to it on the radio (on Saturday) was like watching TV with your eyes closed – the effect of the orchestra (in Symphony Hall) paired with the film clips of the dancing was magnificent. And the banter / narration between Donen and Williams was engaging, interesting, appropriate, and entertaining. One of the best uses of film and orchestra at a JW concert I have ever seen. Usually my (now) 8 year old son sits through the concert fidgeting until JW gets to Star Wars, but even he was enthralled with the Donen tribute. First thing he told my wife on Saturday morning: “we got free food” [came with our subscription seats on the floor – amazing how much better food tastes and impresses kids when it is free – he thought we were royalty]. Second thing: “the man was dancing on the ceiling!” Third thing: “oh yeah, he played Star Wars, too, but the man was dancing on the ceiling!”
I didn’t listen to the whole Saturday concert, but my thoughts:
– I didn’t care for Phil Vassar. I’m not a country or gospel music fan, and when JW is conducting, I would much rather his compositions or just orchestral music.
– Was the program shorter than the Friday program due to the late (8:45 PM) start? Why the late start? I didn’t listen through to the end, but it sounded like they skipped most of the items on the first half of the Friday program.
Dave