Going into Music at the Movies – A Tribute to John Williams, I was fully aware of the impact his music has had on the world of entertainment over the decades. All you need to do is check out his biography, and you can scroll through the ridiculously impressive work Williams has done. However, what amazed me the most while watching and listening to this show was how his songs and music still resonated with me as strongly as they ever had. Pieces of music from various film genres remain impactful in numerous ways and are an integral part of music history.
The tribute to the legendary composer took place at the famous Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, where the FILMharmonique Orchestra and the Amadeus Choir performed some of John Williams’ powerful pieces. As has become the norm at events like this, the crowd was a mixed bag of young and old, dressed for a night on the town or the shorts-and-tee-shirt crowd (that would be me). However, we were all there for the same reason: to enjoy the music and genius of John Williams, and the orchestra did not disappoint.
On tour through September and ending in early October, the FILMharmonique Orchestra is not only extremely talented, but they are also having fun. Each section takes a bow at the end, showcasing items that represent the different films they covered during the show.
Conductor Francis Choiniere, who completed his Master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting at McGill University, was also having a great time. He took breaks to address the crowd about the pieces of music and the incredible talent behind them. Concerts like these are more interactive than simply sitting in your seat and politely clapping. Because of the impact Williams’ scores have made, these songs have not only become iconic, ingrained into the fabric of the entertainment world, but more importantly, deeply personal to many people for very different reasons. It’s part of what makes this music so different and special, and why these shows are more than simply a night of music.
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The first part of Music at the Movies – A Tribute to John Williams ran through some classic and memorable moments in movie history, touching on moments from E.T., Superman, Jaws, and Home Alone, to name a few. They ended the first half with the “Raiders March” from Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Following intermission, the show was split into two, showcasing four songs each from the world of Harry Potter and, of course, Star Wars.
The evening ended on a powerful note, with the Amadeus Choir joining again for “Duel of the Fates,” the iconic theme from The Phantom Menace. It gave me chills, and the crowd erupted at the end, paying tribute to the talent and magic of the evening.
It’s hard to put into words the impact that John Williams has had, not only in music but in film in general. He brought the importance of music scores to the forefront with incredibly powerful and devastatingly beautiful moments that will be with us forever. He has helped redefine the orchestral world and given the public moments that will last forever, which can be enjoyed endlessly and passed down through the generations to come.
Music at the Movies – A Tribute to John Williams celebrates not only the composer-conductor, but also brings together fans of all ages for a night when nothing else matters but the joy and power of music.
