Friday and Saturday saw the legendary Boston Pops appear at Boston’s Symphony Hall to perform the score to Return of the Jedi while the film played, a perfect way for fans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Episode VI with hundreds of fellow fans, and also a unique gateway to bring new people to the saga and to live orchestral performances.
“There would be millions upon millions of people who had never heard great orchestral music played by a great orchestra, if it wasn’t for the soundtracks of John Williams’ movies,” said conductor Keith Lockhart.
He said the Friday and Saturday night performances could be a gateway of sorts, to bring new people to Symphony Hall.
Cellist Will Chow, in his first season with the Pops, said the way Williams composes, with a musical theme for each character, enhances the experience.
He said it brings “another dimension to the movie that I think will be highlighted here on stage. Because you’ll get to see the whole orchestra, you’ll get to hear the music. And the thing that’s actually happening on screen, that’s going to be more than a background.”
