As Steven Spielberg wisely says, “Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes. There is no Force, dinosaurs do not walk the Earth. We do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe.” It’s impossible to deny a word of that as we learn that the stage at the Hollywood Bowl is to be named for the maestro John Williams, the first time such an honour has been bestowed on a composer in the 103 year history of the Bowl. The LA Times take a close look at this wonderful honour and the history of Williams relationship with one of the worlds best known musical venues.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, Spielberg paid tribute to Williams’ transformative influence on film, saying, “Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes. There is no Force, dinosaurs do not walk the Earth. We do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe.”
Philanthropic support for the dedication came from friends and collaborators, including Spielberg and Kate Capshaw’s Hearthland Foundation, Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, Seth MacFarlane and the Katie McGrath and J.J. Abrams Family Foundation.
At Sunday’s ceremony, Williams expressed gratitude for a recognition that, he said, went beyond anything he could have imagined when he first stood on the Bowl stage nearly half a century ago.
“This is an honor that is unprecedented and unequaled in generosity shown by the Los Angeles Philharmonic family — my family — in making this dedication,” he said. “I want to thank all of the donors in this effort, who proudly support and salute the work done by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, one of the great orchestras of the world. The uniqueness of this honor is certainly unheard of, and I thank all of you.”
