John Williams Conducts World Concert Premiere of ‘Of Grit and Glory’ in Chicago – Videos, Photos and More

“AN EVENING WITH JOHN WILLIAMS”
March 24, 2023, Chicago, IL
Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by JOHN WILLIAMS

Related:
John Williams Writes New Theme for ESPN College Football Championship – ‘Of Grit and Glory’

CONCERT PROGRAM
(Read the program book)

  • Olympic Fanfare and Theme
  • Suite from Far and Away
  • Three Selections from Harry Potter
    Hedwig’s Theme
    Fawkes the Phoenix
    Harry’s Wondrous World
  • Theme from Born on the Fourth of July (Esteban Batallán, trumpet)
  • Adventures on Earth from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
    INTERMISSION
  • Of Grit and Glory (Concert Premiere)
  • Theme from Jurassic Park
  • Helena’s Theme from Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
  • The Duel from The Adventures of Tintin
  • Theme from Sabrina (Robert Chen, violin)
  • Three Selections from Star Wars
    Scherzo for X-Wings from The Force Awakens
    Obi-Wan from Obi-Wan Kenobi
    Throne Room and Finale from Star Wars
    ENCORES
  • Yoda’s Theme from The Empire Strikes Back
  • The Raiders March from Raiders of the Lost Ark
  • The Imperial March from The Empire Strikes Back

REVIEWS

Report from the Chicago Symphony

With a sold-out house and abounding ovations, the legendary John Williams made an appearance in Orchestra Hall on Friday night to conduct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in some of his landmark film and television scores. The crowd was full of smiles, cheers and even a few nostalgic tears as the Orchestra played selections from the Harry Potter films, the Olympic Fanfare and Theme, the theme from Jurassic Park, the Imperial March from Star Wars and much more — led by the very man who knows the music best.

Concert recap by Erik Woods (video)

VIDEOS

Of Grit and Glory (Concert Premiere)

Throne Room and Finale from Star Wars

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbmmgkpfL04

The Raiders March and standing ovation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rueH4AVvcio

PHOTOS
With CSO’s clarinetist John Yeh (Instagram post)

With CSO’s principal bass Alex Hanna (Instagram post)

With flutist Gaby Vargas (Instagram post)

Concert photos (credit: Anne Ryan)