The annual summer highlight, which started in 1981, at the Hollywood Bowl is John Williams: Maestro of the Movies concert which took place this past weekend for a three-show run. It's a tribute to Williams' immense legacy in Hollywood and his legendary association with the LA Philharmonic and the Hollywood Bowl.
In the past, Williams would be the conductor but due to health issues the 93 year old living legend was not in attendance. Instead the very capable David Newman took on the conducting duties and did a good job in channeling Williams' spirit with interesting anecdotes that introduced each composition at the nearly sold-out 18,000-seat venue. Throughout the night, fans were enthusiastically yelling out their love for Williams. They had a strong emotional connection with his music as they relived cherished movie moments through unforgettable musical scores.
The concert featured some of his biggest hits and beloved classics of the silver screen with film clips appearing on the Bowl's big screens from Star Wars and Indiana Jones to Superman and Dear Basketball (to honor the memory of Kobe Bryant). There was also a video montage about the life of Williams from early childhood to present while the symphony played the theme from Superman.
In recent years, it has become a ritual for audience members to bring glowing toy lightsabers and wave them in time to selections from Star Wars, and some also wear costumes of their favorite characters. There were many lightsabers being waved at the concert making for spectacular visuals. Even Newman also appeared on stage at one point waving a lightsaber.