For four nights straight, a galaxy far, far away is coming to the Walt Disney Concert Hall as part of their John Williams Spotlight series on Nov. 21, 22, 23, and 24. Hosted by C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels, the music of all nine “Star Wars” movies will be coming to the Hall. Honoring the legendary scores originally composed by Williams, Sarah Hicks will serve as conductor for the four evenings. Aside from Daniels’ participation, which should reassure “Star Wars” fans that the event is in good hands, the Hall’s long-standing relationship with Williams outside of their ongoing Spotlight series means the legendary scores will be right at home and given the proper grand platform deserving of a nearly 50-year-old legacy.

Tickets are on sale now for all four shows, with Nov. 21 and 22 beginning at 8 PM and Nov. 23 and 24 beginning at 2 PM. As is routine for shows at the Hall and other LA Phil venues, we also give out free tickets through our newsletter, so be sure to subscribe and follow us on Instagram for announcements.

Words: David Sosa

Hear cinema’s greatest compositions

It’s impossible to encapsulate a career as long as decorated as Williams’, who continues to compose music today. Whether it’s his many collaborations with Steven Spielberg or work on movies like Superman, he’s done just about anything and everything when it comes to cinema. However, if there was one franchise that could exemplify the scale at which he’s operated for decades, it’s “Star Wars.”

From the first film in 1977 to the ninth installment in 2019, there simply is no “Star Wars” without Williams’ score. Any number of specific compositions could be selected and highlighted as an iconic piece of film history, which speaks to how synonymous the music has become with the cultural zeitgeist. Notable selections include the inspirational “Force Theme,” the riveting “Duel of the Fates,” the Empire’s insidious “Imperial March,” and the “Main Theme,” which introduced audiences to the saga as the first thing heard at the beginning of “A New Hope.”

Continuing the Star Wars legacy

Although “Star Wars” began as a film franchise, the fact that Lucas’ universe has expanded to any and every corner of pop culture means the music by Williams came along with the spread. Even though the last film was in 2019, the 42 years’ worth of work from Williams carries on, whether it be in video games, TV shows, and more. Williams himself will not be conducting at the Hall, but Sarah Hicks is more than a worthy substitute for the role. Having conducted orchestras and philharmonics ranging from LA to Copenhagen and everywhere in between, she has the experience to back her credentials, as well as a preexisting relationship with Disney Concerts.

Outside of Hicks, Anthony Daniels is more than enough to assure fans that the evenings are in good hands. Daniels, who’s played C-3PO since 1977, is the only actor to have appeared in all nine films. If anyone were to know “Star Wars,” it’s him. Additionally, the inclusion of specially edited clips from the movies will help amplify the experience for attendees and immerse fans into the “Star Wars” galaxy more than a typical concert.

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For all generations of fans

Considering that “Star Wars” is still going strong nearly half a century later, there’s bound to be a wide age range of fans on all four nights. For those who remember lining up on opening night for “A New Hope” or younger people still becoming acquainted with the vast galaxy, the shows offer a unique experience to help bridge generations of fans together. The privilege of watching selections for all nine films played back to back is added help for families who hope to introduce their children to the music that defined their upbringing and vice versa.

Families, in particular, are fortunate to have two different time slots to choose from, with the first two shows starting at 8 PM and the last two starting at 2 PM. However, as is typical for a franchise as big as “Star Wars,” individuals or other groups can have just as much of a good time. Given the familiarity of “Star Wars,” the event doubles as a great way to enjoy a classical show full of the same excitement, if not more so, than a typical concert. And even if Williams’ score is not instantly recognizable to you, it’s sure to uplift you in a way that embodies the full scope of the space opera saga.

Upcoming Shows

The season at the Walt Disney Concert Hall is in full swing and is getting more festive by the minute. While we can’t recommend Star Wars in Concert enough, we also need to put these upcoming shows at the Hall on your radar.

12/1 Leslie Odom, Jr. The Christmas Tour

12/14 Holiday Sing-Along  

12/21-22 Home Alone in Concert  

12/23 Arturo Sandoval Swinging Holiday

12/31 NYE with D-Nice & Friends