PROGRAM NOTES
The Musical Mastery of John Williams
Saturday, Oct. 11
Olympic Fanfare and Theme
John Williams
arr. James Curnow
The music of John Williams is forever tied to the Olympic Games, for which he composed themes on four occasions: Los Angeles in 1984, Seoul in 1988, Atlanta in 1996, and Salt Lake City in 2002. Among these, the Olympic Fanfare and Theme, written for the opening ceremonies of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, stands out as one of Williams’ most iconic works. The composition’s uplifting and triumphant character earned him the Grammy Award for “Best Instrumental Composition.” Since its debut, this powerful theme has become a staple of NBC’s Olympics coverage, resonating with audiences across generations and throughout the world.
Hymn to the Fallen
John Williams
transcr. Paul Lavender
Composed for the 1998 film Saving Private Ryan, Hymn to the Fallen stands as a moving tribute to those who gave their lives during the Invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. The piece is widely recognized for its solemn beauty and emotional depth.
Steven Spielberg, director of the film, remarked on the significance of the score, stating:
“It’s a piece of music and a testament to John Williams’ sensitivity and brilliance that, in my opinion, will stand the test of time and honor forever the fallen of this war and possibly all wars.”
Originally recorded by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the soundtrack received a varied response from critics but nevertheless earned several award nominations. It was ultimately honored with the Grammy for “Best Instrumental Composition Written for a Motion Picture or for Television.”
Jurassic Park Soundtrack Highlights
John Williams
arr. Paul Lavender
Jurassic Park, released in 1993, is a science fiction action film based on Michael Crichton’s best-selling novel. Set on the fictional Isla Nublar, a remote island near Costa Rica, the story follows a billionaire philanthropist and a team of geneticists who bring dinosaurs back to life and establish a groundbreaking wildlife park. John Williams’s sweeping score infuses the film with grandeur, elevating its drama and sense of wonder. This arrangement by for wind band features selections such as the End Credits, Journey to the Island, Theme from “Jurassic Park,” and Opening Titles, capturing the epic spirit and emotional resonance of the film.
Lincoln
John Williams
arr. Jay Bocook
John Williams composed a compelling and evocative score for Steven Spielberg’s historical drama, Lincoln, which premiered at the New York Film Festival in October 2012. The soundtrack, performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, traverses a range of emotions, from moments of quiet introspection to passages filled with stirring energy. This arrangement presents the melodies “The American Process,” “The People’s House,” and “With Malice Toward None.” Each musical theme contributes to an overall tapestry that reflects both the gravity and the optimism of the film’s portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln’s enduring legacy.
Young Person’s Guide to John Williams
John Williams
arr. Jay Bocook
This engaging suite presents audiences with four of John Williams’ most celebrated film melodies, expertly arranged for the wind band.
Theme from Schindler’s List
John Williams
arr. Calvin Custer
Soloist: Sayuki Peterman, Violin
Schindler’s List is a 1993 historical period drama that tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who heroically saved the lives of over a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The film’s poignant and unforgettable score, composed by John Williams, garnered widespread acclaim. Williams received several prestigious honors for this work, including the BAFTA Award for Best Original Score, a Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media, and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Score. Most notably, Schindler’s List earned Williams his fifth Academy Award for Best Original Score. The main theme—originally performed by legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman—remains especially moving, renowned for its delicately mournful violin melody that resonates deeply with listeners.
Liberty Fanfare
John Williams
arr. James Curnow
Commissioned by the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, John Williams composed Liberty Fanfare for the centennial celebration of the Statue of Liberty, performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra on July 4, 1986. The piece, which debuted in June of that year at a Boston Pops Esplanade concert conducted by Williams himself, quickly became one of his signature works. As principal conductor of the Boston Pops from 1980 to 1993, Williams described Liberty Fanfare as a collection of American airs and tunes of his own creation, written specifically to honor the Statue of Liberty’s 100th anniversary.
Symphonic Suite from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”
John Williams
arr. Jay Bocook
Since its debut on May 25, 1977, Star Wars has evolved into a global phenomenon, renowned for its enduring popularity and influence on popular culture. The saga spans three cinematic trilogies, collectively known as the "Skywalker Saga," encompassing nine films released in a non-linear order, beginning in medias res, in the midst of the overarching story.
The original trilogy, Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi—premiered between 1977 and 1983. These were followed by the prequel trilogy--The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith—released from 1999 to 2005. The sequel trilogy, which includes The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker, arrived between 2015 and 2019.
Across all nine films, John Williams crafted some of the most memorable scores in modern cinema. His work garnered him the Academy Award for Best Original Score with Star Wars, along with nominations for The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and all three films of the sequel trilogy. In addition, Williams received a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
This symphonic suite, arranged by Jay Bocook, skillfully weaves together the evocative "Jedi Steps" theme, featured at the film’s conclusion, with the triumphant "Finale" from the end credits. Bocook’s arrangement captures the sweeping power and emotional resonance of Williams’ acclaimed score, offering listeners a stirring musical journey through the transcendent world of Star Wars.
The Musical Mastery of John Williams
Saturday, Oct. 11
Olympic Fanfare and Theme
John Williams
arr. James Curnow
The music of John Williams is forever tied to the Olympic Games, for which he composed themes on four occasions: Los Angeles in 1984, Seoul in 1988, Atlanta in 1996, and Salt Lake City in 2002. Among these, the Olympic Fanfare and Theme, written for the opening ceremonies of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, stands out as one of Williams’ most iconic works. The composition’s uplifting and triumphant character earned him the Grammy Award for “Best Instrumental Composition.” Since its debut, this powerful theme has become a staple of NBC’s Olympics coverage, resonating with audiences across generations and throughout the world.
Hymn to the Fallen
John Williams
transcr. Paul Lavender
Composed for the 1998 film Saving Private Ryan, Hymn to the Fallen stands as a moving tribute to those who gave their lives during the Invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. The piece is widely recognized for its solemn beauty and emotional depth.
Steven Spielberg, director of the film, remarked on the significance of the score, stating:
“It’s a piece of music and a testament to John Williams’ sensitivity and brilliance that, in my opinion, will stand the test of time and honor forever the fallen of this war and possibly all wars.”
Originally recorded by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the soundtrack received a varied response from critics but nevertheless earned several award nominations. It was ultimately honored with the Grammy for “Best Instrumental Composition Written for a Motion Picture or for Television.”
Jurassic Park Soundtrack Highlights
John Williams
arr. Paul Lavender
Jurassic Park, released in 1993, is a science fiction action film based on Michael Crichton’s best-selling novel. Set on the fictional Isla Nublar, a remote island near Costa Rica, the story follows a billionaire philanthropist and a team of geneticists who bring dinosaurs back to life and establish a groundbreaking wildlife park. John Williams’s sweeping score infuses the film with grandeur, elevating its drama and sense of wonder. This arrangement by for wind band features selections such as the End Credits, Journey to the Island, Theme from “Jurassic Park,” and Opening Titles, capturing the epic spirit and emotional resonance of the film.
Lincoln
John Williams
arr. Jay Bocook
John Williams composed a compelling and evocative score for Steven Spielberg’s historical drama, Lincoln, which premiered at the New York Film Festival in October 2012. The soundtrack, performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, traverses a range of emotions, from moments of quiet introspection to passages filled with stirring energy. This arrangement presents the melodies “The American Process,” “The People’s House,” and “With Malice Toward None.” Each musical theme contributes to an overall tapestry that reflects both the gravity and the optimism of the film’s portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln’s enduring legacy.
Young Person’s Guide to John Williams
John Williams
arr. Jay Bocook
This engaging suite presents audiences with four of John Williams’ most celebrated film melodies, expertly arranged for the wind band.
- Prologue from “Hook"
- Hedwig's Theme
- Theme from E.T.
- Raiders March
Theme from Schindler’s List
John Williams
arr. Calvin Custer
Soloist: Sayuki Peterman, Violin
Schindler’s List is a 1993 historical period drama that tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who heroically saved the lives of over a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The film’s poignant and unforgettable score, composed by John Williams, garnered widespread acclaim. Williams received several prestigious honors for this work, including the BAFTA Award for Best Original Score, a Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media, and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Score. Most notably, Schindler’s List earned Williams his fifth Academy Award for Best Original Score. The main theme—originally performed by legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman—remains especially moving, renowned for its delicately mournful violin melody that resonates deeply with listeners.
Liberty Fanfare
John Williams
arr. James Curnow
Commissioned by the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, John Williams composed Liberty Fanfare for the centennial celebration of the Statue of Liberty, performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra on July 4, 1986. The piece, which debuted in June of that year at a Boston Pops Esplanade concert conducted by Williams himself, quickly became one of his signature works. As principal conductor of the Boston Pops from 1980 to 1993, Williams described Liberty Fanfare as a collection of American airs and tunes of his own creation, written specifically to honor the Statue of Liberty’s 100th anniversary.
Symphonic Suite from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”
John Williams
arr. Jay Bocook
Since its debut on May 25, 1977, Star Wars has evolved into a global phenomenon, renowned for its enduring popularity and influence on popular culture. The saga spans three cinematic trilogies, collectively known as the "Skywalker Saga," encompassing nine films released in a non-linear order, beginning in medias res, in the midst of the overarching story.
The original trilogy, Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi—premiered between 1977 and 1983. These were followed by the prequel trilogy--The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith—released from 1999 to 2005. The sequel trilogy, which includes The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker, arrived between 2015 and 2019.
Across all nine films, John Williams crafted some of the most memorable scores in modern cinema. His work garnered him the Academy Award for Best Original Score with Star Wars, along with nominations for The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and all three films of the sequel trilogy. In addition, Williams received a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
This symphonic suite, arranged by Jay Bocook, skillfully weaves together the evocative "Jedi Steps" theme, featured at the film’s conclusion, with the triumphant "Finale" from the end credits. Bocook’s arrangement captures the sweeping power and emotional resonance of Williams’ acclaimed score, offering listeners a stirring musical journey through the transcendent world of Star Wars.
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Sayuki Peterman, Violin Soloist
Sayuki Peterman, a 17-year-old violinist based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a junior at Marvin Ridge High School. She currently studies with Monica Boboc of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and Dr. Carolyn Huebl of Vanderbilt University. Peterman has served as concertmaster for many orchestras including the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra, NC All-State Honors, and Youth Orchestra of Charlotte, and is the co-founder of the Charlotte based music outreach nonprofit, Harmonious Hearts . Peterman has received many accolades for musical performance, including first prize in the NC MTNA Strings Competition (2023 and 2024), the Symphony Guild of Charlotte’s Young Artist Competition (2024), the YOC Concerto Competition (2022), the Blackerby Young Artist Competition (2020), and is a recipient of Rotary Club of Charlotte Music Scholarships (2024). Outside of school, Peterman spends her summers participating in various international music festivals such as the Heifetz International Music Institute, Boston University Tanglewood Institute, and Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival. |
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