Film fans can celebrate Star Wars Day in style this year with a concert experience that promises to transport everyone to another world as the Orchestra of Opera North play John Williams’ iconic music live.

Here are our five star-studded reasons why May 4th is going to be a day to remember in Leeds.

1. Award-winning Music

Music from the movies is some of the best-known instrumental music today and none more so than that composed by John Williams for the Stars Wars films. In fact, the soundtrack to the original film released in 1977 is still, almost 50 years later, the best-selling symphonic album of all time.

Add to that the fact that it’s one of only a handful of scores that’s won every gong going, including an Oscar, Golden Globe, Grammy and BAFTA, and you get some idea of how enthusiastically John Williams’ work has been received by critics and cinema audiences alike.

John Williams message to conductor Caleb Young on A New Hope score

2. Live Orchestra

You may have thought the music sounded incredible when you heard it in the cinema or on your sound system at home, but just wait until you hear some of most incredible excerpts from the scores played live by the full Orchestra of Opera North.

In front of you on the theatre stage (not in the orchestra pit as is usually the case for opera performances) will be 70 professional musicians, including strings, wind instruments, percussion – not forgetting, of course, the all-important brass for the rousing Imperial March.

3. Baton Buddies

Caleb Young, who is conducting the concert, has known composer John Williams for many years and has worked as his assistant on several occasions. That means he has plenty of anecdotes to share about the composer and the times they have shared the stage together.

This is a rare chance to find out more about the maestro from someone who has worked closely with him. Caleb will intersperse each piece with some of his fascinating stories and insights, sharing his passion for the composer’s work and discussing how knowing John Williams has affected his approach to the music.

Conductor Caleb Young with composer John Williams

4. Across the Galaxy

We promise that, over the course of the evening, this concert will transport you across the galaxy and across the different films in the Star Wars franchise.

Whether you prefer the original trilogy or the prequels, you’re sure to hear your favourite piece as the orchestra plays some of the best-loved and most well-known music from A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, The Phantom Menace, The Attack of the Clones and The Force Awakens.

If you like, you can take a look at the playlist before you come.

Trombones of the Orchestra of Opera North in concert © Justin Slee

5. A Chance to Dress Up

Whether you see yourself as a Jedi or a Sith or would simply like to dust off your lightsaber, now’s your chance. Everyone is welcome to dress up as the Star Wars character of their choice – although if you prefer to simply come as you are and enjoy great music, that’s fine too!

As Caleb says: “Conducting John’s music is always a thrill.  No matter where it’s performed, it never fails to move audiences – and us performers – deeply. There’s a power in hearing this music live: the sweeping themes, the thunderous brass, the intimate moments of wonder and reflection. It’s pure magic.”

 

Caleb Young and John Williams in rehearsal together.

The Music of Star Wars with the Orchestra of Opera North is at 7.30pm on Sunday 4 May at Leeds Grand Theatre.

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