LA PHIL DEDICATES THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL’S ICONIC STAGE TO JOHN WILLIAMS
Ceremony honored the legendary composer and conductor’s enduring impact on film and orchestral music
Attendees included John Williams, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, Gustavo Dudamel and Mariá Valverde, Richard Dreyfuss, Thomas Newman, and David Newman
LOS ANGELES (November 11, 2025) — The LA Phil announces the dedication of the Hollywood Bowl’s iconic stage to John Williams. This dedication — the first in the storied history of the Bowl — honors the legendary composer and conductor whose music has inspired generations of filmgoers and helped cement the Bowl’s reputation as the world’s leading venue for symphonic film music.
Hosted by LA Phil President & CEO Kim Noltemy and Board Chair Jason Subotky, the private dedication ceremony marked the unveiling of the new stage signage. This dedication is being supported by philanthropic commitments from longtime LA Phil supporters and friends of John Williams, including Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw / The Hearthland Foundation, Jason Subotky and Anne Akiko Meyers, Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen, Seth MacFarlane, Andrew Hewitt, Michael Rapino, Bill Silva, Barbara and Jay Rasulo, Jay and Deanie Stein, Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, and the Katie McGrath and J.J. Abrams Family Foundation.
“Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes,” Steven Spielberg has noted. “There is no Force, dinosaurs do not walk the Earth. We do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe.”
A Morning of Music and Tribute
Set against the Hollywood Bowl’s iconic shell, the ceremony featured performances of Williams’ Music for Brass by the LA Phil Brass Ensemble led by conductor and 2025-26 Dudamel Fellow Miguel Sepúlveda, and Williams’ Theme from Sabrina by violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and LA Phil pianist Joanne Pearce Martin. Remarks were given by LA Phil President and CEO Kim Noltemy, Chair of the LA Phil Board of Directors Jason Subotky, LA Phil Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, and Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation Norma Edith García-Gonzalez.
Speakers reflected on Williams’ unmatched artistic legacy and his six-decade relationship with the LA Phil and the Hollywood Bowl, and a tribute video chronicled his profound influence on generations of musicians and audiences worldwide.
“Few artists have shaped the sound of our collective imagination as profoundly as John Williams. His music transcends generations, languages, and borders — inviting us to dream, to hope, and to feel. Each note carries us somewhere extraordinary: toward adventure, toward wonder, toward belief. For nearly half a century, the Hollywood Bowl has been the stage where John’s imagination meets the hearts of millions. As we dedicate the John Williams Stage at the Hollywood Bowl, we honor not only an incomparable composer and conductor, but also a dear friend whose artistry reminds us of the very purpose of music — to connect us,” says Gustavo Dudamel, Music & Artistic Director of the LA Phil.
“The Hollywood Bowl has become synonymous with John Williams’ music,” said Kim Noltemy, President & CEO of the LA Phil. “His scores have captivated generations of filmgoers, and his concerts at the Bowl have defined what it means to experience film music live. This dedication honors not only his artistic brilliance but also the way he has helped shape the Bowl into the most recognizable stage for symphonic film music.”
“John Williams’ compositions have inspired generations, connecting us across backgrounds, languages, and ages. His scores are the soundtracks of our memories — from the thrill of discovery, to the courage of heroes, to the quiet moments that stir our hearts,” said Norma Edith García-Gonzalez, Director of the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation and the Regional Park and Open Space District. “We celebrate the musical legacy of Maestro John Williams, who for nearly 50 years has conducted on the Hollywood Bowl stage, sharing joy and inspiring generations to gather under the stars at this beloved public Los Angeles County park.”
“John’s extraordinary scores have drawn countless audiences to classical music, introduced new listeners to this music, and brought families together for memories. It is a profound honor for us to name the stage after him,” noted LA Phil Board Chair Jason Subotky. “Thank you, John, for all of the magic and the music, for all of the good times, for all of the friendship, and for all the beauty you’ve put into the world.”
The event culminated with the unveiling of the new John Williams Stage signage, marking a new chapter in the venue’s storied history, followed by a heartfelt address from John Williams, who shared his gratitude for the honor. “This is an honor that is unprecedented and unequaled in generosity shown by the Los Angeles Philharmonic family — my family — in making this dedication. I want to thank all of the donors in this effort, who proudly support and salute the work done by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, one of the great orchestras of the world. The uniqueness of this honor is certainly unheard of and I thank all of you.”
Reception and Celebration Onstage
Following the dedication, speakers and guests enjoyed a private onstage reception offering sweeping views of the Hollywood Bowl’s amphitheater. Attendees also included Williams’ family, longtime LA Phil supporters, artistic collaborators, and friends who have championed Williams’ contributions to film music and orchestral performance throughout his remarkable career.
A Legacy of Excellence
For more than six decades, John Williams has defined the sound of modern cinema, composing some of the most beloved film scores in history, including Star Wars, E.T., Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and Jaws.
His long-standing partnership with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Hollywood Bowl has transformed the venue into an international epicenter for film music that bridges Hollywood storytelling and orchestral artistry. The dedication of the John Williams Stage celebrates both his extraordinary legacy and the Bowl’s place in cultural history where film and orchestral music meet under the stars.
Source: HollywoodBowl.com
(Photo credit: Timothy Norris)
From Richard Dreyfuss’ Instagram
From Joanne Pearce Martin’s Facebook