A long time ago in a town far, far away there was an eight-year-old boy who saw Star Wars for the first time. Do I know him? Of course I know him. He’s me. And all these years later, he got to see Star Wars in a brand new way with an audience that could appreciate it the same way.
The eyes and ears in the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts at the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall witnessed LIVE at Knight: Star Wars – A New Hope in Concert. The film was shown on the stage as a live orchestra played the famous music, composed and originally conducted by John Williams.
Symphonia, conducted by Constantine Kitsopoulos, began with what we all missed during the recent Star Wars story films. The sound we all came to love and expect just before the silent moment on screen, “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” The FOX Fanfare! The audience erupted in applause as it happened, and it took few moments to settle in. “Chewy, we’re home.” It was quiet. We read the famous blue line, and there it was. The opening theme played as hoots and whistles celebrated the beginning. The beginning represents so much to so many people. To some of us, it was a chance to see the original movie in the theater yet again. For others, this was clearly their first time, and for that I felt envy. Some of these kids had no idea what they were in for.
It took a few moments to settle in. My critical ear listened for the timing of John Williams’ score as the Tantive IV flew overhead, followed by a seemingly endless Star Destroyer. I could see and hear everyone go quiet. The buzz of excitement went silent again as some of the kids’ eyes open wide. My own eyes were blurred with emotion. Somewhere a few seats back I heard, “Whoa!” Symphonia was in perfect sync, and I caught myself watching them once the Rebel corvette was captured. The door was blown open, and the firefight began.
Initially, I was distracted by the subtitles. I will usually watch with subtitles anyway, but I wondered about everyone else. We were there to see the movie, but more importantly we were there to celebrate John Williams’ score. At points, the music would drown out some of the dialogue. That’s why we were reading subtitles. It didn’t seem to bother anyone else, and it certainly didn’t bother me. We were at a concert. The orchestra wasn’t there to accompany the movie. The movie was there to accompany the orchestra.
As each main character made their first appearance, the audience cheered. The conductor was prepared for this, and seemed to raise the volume of the orchestra accordingly. The sound level was never wrong. The music throughout the picture was flawless, as if we’d been watching the film at home with the benefit of a live orchestra in the living room.
The seasoned audience knew the film well. What was truly surprising was how much some of the kids in the audience knew. While some sat silent, clearly having the experience of a lifetime that they will never forget, there were a few kids who bobbed their heads to the music. They knew what they were there for. Directly behind me, a boy hummed along to the notes as the Death Star came into firing range of the Yavin 4’s moon. I smiled. Star Wars is going to be a phenomenon for another forty years and more. It’s not just the special effects. It’s not just the stories. It’s not just the characters. The music put depth and emotion into the films. We have John Williams to thank for that.
Constantine Kitsopoulos is a dynamic conductor, at home on stage. He’s conducted the major orchestras of North America, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, and the Tokyo Philharmonic. He conducted the orchestra perfectly for the entire run time with only a short intermission. The Symphonia is a Florida-based world class orchestra.
I can’t recommend the experience enough. If the Star Wars Concert Series comes to your city, just go. That’s what I’m trying to tell you, kid. You will be completely blown away. The audience is your crowd. It was a veritable union of fans from all walks and ages. From the subtle homage of blood stripes on one woman’s skirt to children in full costume, to myriad sporting Star Wars t-shirts never seen before, to the concert goers in formal wear; we were all at a concert hall in a galaxy far, far away.
The Star Wars: Film Concert Series is produced under license by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox (yay!) and Warner/Chappell Music.
Related Article: Ranking all of the ‘Star Wars’ Films
