The Los Angeles Philharmonic has dedicated the Hollywood Bowl’s iconic stage to film composer John Williams at a ceremony held at the venue on 11th November. This dedication – the first in the history of the Bowl – honours the legendary composer and conductor whose music has inspired generations of film-goers and helped cement the venue's reputation as the world’s leading venue for symphonic film music.
The private dedication ceremony marked the unveiling of the new stage signage to guests, including the 93-year-old John Williams himself, directors Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, actor Richard Dreyfuss, and film composers Thomas Newman and David Newman. Williams’ family and friends were also present to celebrate his remarkable career.
The ceremony featured performances of Williams’ Music for Brass by the LA Phil Brass Ensemble led by conductor Miguel Sepúlveda, and Williams’ Theme from Sabrina by violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and LA Phil pianist Joanne Pearce Martin.
Speakers reflected on Williams’ unmatched artistic legacy and his six-decade relationship with the LA Phil and the Hollywood Bowl, and a tribute video chronicled his influence on generations of musicians and audiences worldwide. “Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes,” Steven Spielberg noted. “There is no Force; dinosaurs do not walk the Earth. We do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe.”
The event culminated in the unveiling of the new John Williams Stage signage, followed by an address from John Williams, who shared his gratitude for the honour. “This is an honour that is unprecedented and unequalled in generosity shown by the Los Angeles Philharmonic family – my family – in making this dedication... I thank all of you.”
John Williams is one of the most celebrated composers of our time. His career spans more than six decades, during which he has composed music for more than 100 films, including Star Wars, Jaws, E.T., Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park. A five-time Academy Award winner and recipient of 26 Grammy Awards, Williams has also composed numerous works for the concert stage and served as Music Director and Laureate Conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra. His long-standing relationship with the Los Angeles Philharmonic includes countless performances at the Hollywood Bowl, the summer home of the orchestra since its opening in 1922, where his concerts have drawn generations of fans and film lovers.
