Playlist: Symphony Happy Hour - Spotlight on John Williams
Item details
Date
Thursday, Mar 19, 2026 6:30PM
Name
Playlist: Symphony Happy Hour - Spotlight on John Williams
Description
đź“Ť This concert takes place at Powell Hall
Stéphane Denève, conductor
John Williams Excerpts from Close Encounters of the Third Kind
John Williams “Adventures on Earth” from E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
John Williams Selections from Star Wars Suite
Additional works to be announced
Soar through the stars as the SLSO performs works by legendary composer John Williams. Featuring selections from Star Wars, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and more, this unforgettable evening promises to launch imaginations into orbit. Enjoy fascinating insights by Music Director Stéphane Denève and celebrate the sweeping themes, dramatic motifs, and cinematic brilliance that have defined generations.
Savor each note at all three Playlist: Symphony Happy Hour concerts this season. Sip signature cocktails and mocktails, enjoy insights from the conductor, and mingle with musicians at these special one-hour concerts designed to inspire, relax, and get the conversation going.
A few things to know:
- John Williams has composed the music and served as music director for more than 100 films. Williams composed the scores for all seven Star Wars films, the first three Harry Potter films, Superman: The Movie, JFK, Born on the Fourth of July, and Home Alone, among many others. He has worked with many legendary directors, including Alfred Hitchcock, William Wyler and Robert Altman. 
- Williams’ 40-year artistic partnership with director Steven Spielberg has resulted in many of Hollywood’s most acclaimed and successful films, including E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, four Indiana Jones films, Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, and Amistad.
- Williams has written orchestral music for the concert stage throughout his 60-year career and was the Boston Pops’ music director for over a decade. At age 93, Williams is concentrating on composing concert works, but has said he would consider creating a film score if the right project came along.
Tickets are currently available for subscribers. Curated Series and Compose Your Own subscriptions are on sale now.