Hosted by Bryce Dallas Howard and led by conductor David Newman, the Los Angeles Philharmonic delivered a stunning tribute to the grand composer of epic soundtracks.
By John Lavitt
Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 09-09-2026
Under a steady curtain of rain, the Hollywood Bowl became an unlikely sanctuary for movie lovers as the Los Angeles Philharmonic presented Maestro of the Movies: A Tribute to John Williams. Rather than surrender to the weather, the audience, in ponchos and under umbrellas, embraced the evening as a celebration of America’s greatest cinematic composer.
Conducted by David Newman and hosted by Bryce Dallas Howard, the concert demonstrated that Williams does far more than accompany images. His music gives those images their emotional resonance. Indeed, remove his scores from our collective memory, and Hollywood itself would feel diminished.
Featuring more film footage than previous editions, the program paired more than 50 minutes of specially edited clips with live orchestral performances. The expanded visual element proved especially effective during the “Flying Theme” from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. As Elliott and E.T. soared across the screen, the LA Phil gave musical expression to the wonder, fear, and exhilaration of flight.
Excerpts from Close Encounters of the Third Kind revealed Williams’s gift for transforming a few elemental notes into a language of cosmic possibility. By contrast, “The Barrel Chase” from Jaws showcased his playful side. The music turned frantic danger into a breathless adventure.
“The Cave” from Raiders of the Lost Ark plunged the audience into the grand tradition of Saturday-matinee escapism. Meanwhile, “Hedwig’s Theme” and “Harry’s Wondrous World” from the Harry Potter films shimmered with mystery. Closing the first half, the “Throne Room and Finale” from Star Wars: A New Hope summoned the triumphant force of modern mythology.
After intermission, the soaring Superman March and the commanding “Olympic Fanfare and Theme” reminded listeners that Williams can make heroism sound credible. Yet the evening’s emotional range extended beyond spectacle. “With Malice Toward None” from Lincoln offered quiet dignity, while the theme from Schindler’s List distilled immeasurable sorrow into music of piercing humanity.
The majestic theme from Jurassic Park once again captured the sensation of confronting the impossible, made real. Newman guided the orchestra through these dramatic shifts with assurance, allowing the melodies to breathe while sustaining their cinematic momentum.
The E.T. finale brought the evening full circle. Rain kept falling, yet the crowd remained captivated. On this uncommon Los Angeles night, discomfort gave way to communal devotion. Williams’s music carried everyone beyond the storm, proving that when melody, memory, and imagination unite, we can still believe in the possibility of flight.
