Film composer John Williams, seated center, was honored Nov. 10 when the stage at the Hollywood Bowl was named the John Williams Stage. Williams has composed the iconic themes to ‘Jaws,’ ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ among others and has received 54 Academy Award nominations (five wins), along with 26 Grammy Awards.
Courtesy photo
Wave Wire Services
HOLLYWOOD — The Hollywood Bowl’s stage was dedicated to legendary composer John Williams Nov. 10 — the first such honor in the history of the famed venue.
Williams, 93, is the most decorated film composer in movie history, with a stunning 54 Academy Award nominations and five wins, along with 26 Grammy Awards. His work includes the iconic themes to “Jaws,” “Star Wars” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
The private dedication ceremony was hosted by LA Phil President & CEO Kim Noltemy and Board Chair Jason Subotky, and included the unveiling of the new stage signage.
The evening featured performances of Williams’ “Music for Brass” by the LA Phil Brass Ensemble, and a tribute video chronicling his influence on generations of musicians and audiences worldwide.
“Few artists have shaped the sound of our collective imagination as profoundly as John Williams,” said Gustavo Dudamel, music and artistic director of the LA Phil.
“His music transcends generations, languages, and borders — inviting us to dream, to hope, and to feel. Each note carries us somewhere extraordinary: toward adventure, toward wonder, toward belief. For nearly half a century, the Hollywood Bowl has been the stage where John’s imagination meets the hearts of millions.
“As we dedicate the John Williams Stage at the Hollywood Bowl, we honor not only an incomparable composer and conductor, but also a dear friend whose artistry reminds us of the very purpose of music — to connect us,” Dudamel added.
“The Hollywood Bowl has become synonymous with John Williams’ music,” Noltemy said. “His scores have captivated generations of filmgoers, and his concerts at the Bowl have defined what it means to experience film music live. This dedication honors not only his artistic brilliance but also the way he has helped shape the Bowl into the most recognizable stage for symphonic film music.”
“Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes,” Steven Spielberg once said. “There is no force, dinosaurs do not walk the Earth. We do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe.”
Following the dedication, speakers including Williams’ family, collaborators and longtime LA Phil supporters enjoyed a private onstage reception.
“This is an honor that is unprecedented and unequaled in generosity shown by the Los Angeles Philharmonic family — my family — in making this dedication,” Williams said. “I want to thank all of the donors in this effort, who proudly support and salute the work done by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, one of the great orchestras of the world. The uniqueness of this honor is certainly unheard of and I thank all of you.”
