‘Star Wars’ comes to life at Hollywood Bowl for lightsaber-led celebration of legendary composer

The force was strong at the Hollywood Bowl Friday night as hundreds of lightsabers lit up the venue for a celebration of the music of “Star Wars” composer John Williams.

“Maestro of the Movies: A Tribute to John Williams” kicked off its three-night run with the Los Angeles Philharmonic performing some of the legendary composer’s most recognizable scores from “Star Wars,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Jaws,” “Indiana Jones,” “Harry Potter,” “Jurassic Park” and more.

David Newman conducted the LA Phil, with actress and director Bryce Dallas Howard hosting the evening celebrating Williams’ decades of unforgettable film music.

Fans showed their “Star Wars” pride throughout the Bowl, sporting T-shirts celebrating the galaxy far, far away. The first 500 ticketholders through the gates also received free lightsabers, which became part of the experience as darkness fell over the amphitheater.

The music was paired with plenty of movie magic. More than 50 minutes of specially edited film clips are incorporated into the program, the most ever featured in the Hollywood Bowl’s long-running John Williams tribute.

Friday’s program included the flying theme from “E.T.,” “The Barrel Chase” from “Jaws,” “The Cave” from “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” two selections from “Harry Potter” and the “Throne Room and Finale” from “Star Wars: A New Hope.”

The second half featured the “Superman March,” “Olympic Fanfare and Theme,” the theme from “Jurassic Park,” music from “Schindler’s List” and the finale from “E.T.”

For fans who missed opening night, the celebration isn’t over yet. “Maestro of the Movies: A Tribute to John Williams” returns to the Hollywood Bowl Saturday and Sunday, giving audiences two more chances to hear some of Hollywood’s most famous film music performed live under the stars.

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