GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., January 10, 2011 – From “Star Wars” to “E.T.” and all musical galaxies in between, the heart-captivating music of legendary composer John Williams will come to life in DeVos Performance Hall when the Grand Rapids Symphony presents “A Salute to John Williams” Friday, Jan. 28, through Sunday, Jan. 30.
Guest Conductor Michael Krajewski will lead the Grand Rapids Symphony on a magical musical odyssey that will explore the melodic world of Williams. A composer of Olympic proportions, Williams has penned some of the most groundbreaking, recognizable and endearing film scores in the history of motion pictures during a career that has spanned six decades. These concerts are part of the Fox Motors Pops Series.
“Williams’ first major success – the theme to ‘Star Wars’ – transformed the landscape of the film music industry and instantly became an icon of American culture,” Krajewski said. “Now, 30 years and 38 films later, his melodies are as legendary and recognizable as the films themselves.
“The audiences will no doubt take great delight in hearing the blockbuster movie music of the Grammy Award-winning Williams performed live by the Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony.”
Program selections will include “Olympic Fanfare and Theme,” which was written specifically for the opening of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, as well as music from “The Cowboys,” “Jaws,” “E.T.: The Extraterrestrial,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Schindler’s List,” “Superman,” “Jurassic Park,” and a 30-minute set from “Star Wars.”
Costumed Star Wars characters from the Great Lakes Garrison 501st Legion will add to the performance on stage. Darth Vader, storm troopers, Indiana Jones and characters from Williams’ films will be in attendance.
Additionally, a photo booth with a green screen depicting scenes from various movies will be in the lobby. Costumed characters will be available to take pictures with audience members.
The winner of five Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards and 21 Grammy Awards, Williams has also received 45 Academy Award nominations, making him – along with composer Alfred Newman – the second most-nominated person after Walt Disney.
Krajewski, a Detroit native who graduated from Wayne State University, will serve as guest conductor for the evening. Currently the principal pops conductor for the Houston Symphony and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Krajewski has performed with the Boston Pops and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. He has also served as guest conductor for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and National Symphony Orchestra, as well as numerous others throughout the United States and Canada.
Tickets for “A Salute to John Williams” start at $18 and are available by calling Ticketmaster at 800/982-2787, online at www.grsymphony.org or in person at Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Symphony office or two hours prior to the performance at the concert venue.
WHO: Grand Rapids Symphony’s Fox Motors Pops Series: “A Salute to John Williams” with Guest Conductor Michael Krajewski.
WHAT: A magical musical odyssey that will explore the melodic world of John Williams. A composer of Olympic proportions, Williams has penned some of the most groundbreaking, recognizable and endearing film scores in the history of motion pictures during a career that has spanned six decades, including “Star Wars,” “E.T.: The Extraterrestrial,” “Superman,” “Jaws” and “Jurassic Park.”
WHEN: Friday, Jan. 28, 8 p.m. | Saturday, Jan. 29, 8 p.m. | Sunday, Jan. 30, 3 p.m.
WHERE: DeVos Performance Hall
SPONSORS: Series Sponsor – Fox Motors; Media Partners –WOOD AM/FM, Star 105.7
TICKETS: Tickets start at $18 and are available at the Symphony office, weekdays 9 a.m. to
5 p.m., 300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100, (located across from the Calder), or by calling 616/454-9451, Ext. 4. (Phone orders will be charged a $2 per ticket service fee, with a $12 maximum.) Tickets are available at the DeVos Place Box Office, weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or on the day of the concert two hours prior to the performance. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster, 800/982-2787, online at www.grsymphony.org, or in person at Ticketmaster outlets: select D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare Stores and Walmart. Tickets purchased at these locations will include a Ticketmaster service fee.
The Grand Rapids Symphony was officially organized in 1930 and is recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras. Led by Music Director David Lockington, eight concert series are presented, featuring a wide range of music and performance styles. More than 400 performances are presented each year, touching the lives of some 170,000. Nearly half of those who benefit are students, senior citizens and people with disabilities reached through extensive education and community service programs. The Symphony sponsors the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses, and also provides the orchestra for Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. To learn more about the Grand Rapids Symphony, please visit www.grsymphony.org.
These concerts are made possible with support from the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.