LOS ANGELES — Legendary composer John Williams, one of the most celebrated figures in film music history, was honored Wednesday with a performing arts center named after him at his alma mater, North Hollywood High School in Los Angeles.
Williams, who has earned more than 50 Academy Award nominations and five Oscar wins over his career, returned to the campus to help officially open the John Williams Performing Arts Center. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the composer welcomed students into the space and encouraged them to make it their own.
“I’m overwhelmed and full of joy because this place, the couple of years I spent here like you are doing have been, for me, formative in my thinking, in my professional work and so on,” he said. “This is a great, magical place.”
The celebration included performances from North Hollywood High’s marching band, which played music from “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and the school’s symphony orchestra, which performed selections from “Star Wars.” Williams watched and praised the students as they showcased his iconic music.
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LA Times: John Williams returns to North Hollywood High, which honors him with new performing arts center
“Curly” Williams returned to his old high school campus last week for the first time in 76 years, but did so under his given name — the same name emblazoned on North Hollywood High’s newest attraction: the John Williams Performing Arts Center.
Williams, 94, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony last Wednesday, which commenced with the composer’s rousing “Raiders March” played by the school’s marching band and accompanied by its blue-clad cheerleaders.
“I think you played that better than we could have,” Williams said, speaking from a wheelchair under the sign of his namesake venue in front of other accomplished alumni and friends, including producer Kathleen Kennedy. “That’s a hard piece.”
Full article at the Los Angeles Times
John Williams’ speech: