Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Composer’s colleague has baton for film score concert
THE statistics speak for themselves, as they give a clear indication that John Williams is the king of orchestral film music.
He’s won 25 Grammy awards, three Emmy awards, five Oscars (nominated for 50), seven Baftas and four Golden Globes. He’s worked with cinematic icons like Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Alfred Hitchcock and his name is synonymous with blockbusters like Star Wars, ET, the Indiana Jones franchise and Superman.
In fact, the American Film Institute selected his score to 1977’s Star Wars as the greatest film score of all time.
His music is wide and diverse, and can fill a whole evening’s concert without reverting to repetition.
And that’s exactly what the Royal Scottish National Orchestra are bringing to Dundee on February 29 in a concert that is a must-see for film fans of all ages.
The evening will have special significance, as the RSNO will be conducted by Richard Kaufman, a man who has a singular affinity with Williams and his music through many personal experiences.
“It is always a special occasion when I have the opportunity to conduct the music of John Williams,” says Richard.
“The first time I met John and worked for him was on the recording sessions for Jaws, so that would be the score that stands out for me.
“There were others, including Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, but Jaws remains a cherished memory.
“John’s music is remarkable in so many ways, and hearing it brought to life by the brilliant members of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra is always a memorable musical event for the audience, and most definitely for me!
“I’m looking forward to another exciting time presenting John’s music in Dundee with my friends of the RSNO.”
The programme is a mix of familiar Williams music and the not-so-well known.
One minute you’re flying through the air with a theme from ET, before being brought down to earth with music from Born On The Fourth Of July. Take to the air again with the Flight To Neverland from Hook before a dip in the ocean with a suite from Jaws.
Add to that the love theme from Superman, fantastic escapism from Indiana Jones, a selection of his Star Wars scores, and music from the Harry Potter franchise, and you have a spectrum of contrasts, sounds and melodies that made Williams the superstar that he is.
“It is a pleasure to bring the RSNO’s The Music of John Williams concert to the Caird Hall this year,” says RSNO chief executive Alistair Mackie.
“John Williams’ soundtracks have reached far beyond their original films since their creation, connecting with audiences in a way that only music can.”
But it’s not all wall-to-wall Williams. He shares the bill with a relative newcomer in the world of film music.
Williams had to start as an unknown, but it remains to be seen if Alice Mills will have such a fantastic career.
However, she is setting off on the right foot and, as winner of the RSNO’s first-ever Film Composers Lab in 2022, her new work Love On The Wing rubs shoulders with some of Williams’ best scores.
The Music Of John Williams is performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at the Caird Hall on February 29 at 7.30pm. For tickets phone 01382 434940 or go to dundeeboxoffice.co.uk