John Williams at the Hollywood Bowl 2019: Reviews & Videos

“JOHN WILLIAMS: MAESTRO OF THE MOVIES”
August 30, 31 & Sep. 1, 2019, Hollywood Bowl, CA
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by DAVID NEWMAN and JOHN WILLIAMS
JOHN WILLIAMS, Host

CONCERT PROGRAM

David Newman conducting

  • The Star-Spangled Banner (arr. Williams)
  • Hooray For Hollywood from Hollywood Hotel (Whiting, arr. Williams)
  • The Cowboys Overture
  • Two Selections from Jane Eyre
  • Han Solo and the Princess from The Empire Strikes Back (with film)
  • 20th Century Fox Fanfare (Newman)
  • Theme from How the West Was Won (with film) (Newman)
  • The Carousel Waltz from Carousel Film Score Suite

INTERMISSION

  • Theme from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (*)
  • Opening Sequence from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (with film)
  • Excerpts from Jurassic Park (with film)
  • Excerpts from Saving Private Ryan (with film)
  • Dry Your Tears, Afrika from Amistad

John Williams conducting

  • The Adventures of Han from Solo: A Star Wars Story
  • Luke and Leia from Return of the Jedi
  • Star Wars Main Title

ENCORES

  • Yoda’s Theme from The Empire Strikes Back
  • The Imperial March from The Empire Strikes Back
  • The Raiders March from Raiders of the Lost Ark

(*) Conducted by John Williams on Sep. 1

REVIEWS

EXTERNAL REVIEWS

  • Music Connection – Williams’ billing as “host” of this year’s three-night run with David Newman as primary conductor could have meant a whole host of things, and of course, some feared that the legend would simply be on hand to say hello to the adoring crowd and introduce his pieces. That concern was dispelled immediately when he ascended the stand to conduct the LA Phil through the national anthem. As for Newman’s role conducting all the pieces until the scheduled “Star Wars” suite at the end, there was a dynamic historical reason for this, based on Williams’ background. – Full review
  • Edge Media Network – Of course Williams and Newman both bantered with the audience delighting the packed crowd with anecdotes of their early years in the biz. Williams also told fans that they will be very pleased with the ending of the forthcoming Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker. – Full review
  • BMI (short report) – The annual Labor Day program featuring Williams’ work included 11 pieces from his incomparable resume, some of which were performed live to clips from their blockbuster films. In appreciation for such an unforgettable evening of music, the audience encouraged Williams and Newman to return to the stage three times, providing a 10 minute-long standing ovation at the conclusion. – Full review

VIDEOS

Various clips from Aug. 31 (53 minutes)

  • Han Solo and the Princess from The Empire Strikes Back
  • Theme from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
  • Excerpts from Jurassic Park (with film)
  • Luke and Leia from Return of the Jedi
  • Star Wars Main Title
  • Yoda’s Theme from The Empire Strikes Back
  • The Imperial March from The Empire Strikes Back
  • The Raiders March from Raiders of the Lost Ark

Various clips of Williams conducting on Sep. 1, including talking about The Rise of Skywalker (12 minutes):

Theme from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (David Newman conducting):

Excerpts from Jurassic Park (David Newman conducting):

Star Wars Lego introduction / Star Wars Main Title (partial) (John Williams conducting):

The Adventures of Han from Solo: A Star Wars Story (John Williams conducting):

Luke and Leia from Return of the Jedi (John Williams conducting):

Williams talks The Rise of Skywalker, introduces the Star Wars Main Title (August 30):

The Raiders March from Raiders of the Lost Ark (John Williams conducting):