The Santa Barbara Symphony presents John Williams: A Cinematic Celebration, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18 and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 19 at the Granada Theatre.

Guest conductor Rei Hotoda will lead the symphony in a tribute concert in which powerful cinematic moments come to life through live orchestral accompaniment.

Audiences will hear iconic cinematic moments played by many of the same musicians who recorded the original motion picture soundtracks alongside Williams, from “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter,” “E.T.” and more.

Black and white photo of composer John Williams holding up conductor's baton.
Composer John Williams wrote scores to such blockbuster films as ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘E.T.’ and ‘Jaws.’

In a career spanning more than five decades, Williams, at 91, is one of America’s most accomplished and successful composers for film and the concert stage, and one of the nation’s most distinguished and prolific musical voices.

He has composed the music and served as music director for more than 100 films, including all nine “Star Wars” films, the first three “Harry Potter” films, “Superman,” “JFK,” “Jaws,” and “Home Alone.” 

A number of Santa Barbara Symphony musicians are studio regulars for Williams and have played on original film scores, including Concertmaster Jessica Guideri; Erik Rynearson, principal viola; Trevor Handy, principal cello; Lara Wickes, principal oboe; Don Foster, principal clarinet; Teag Reaves, principal horn; and Jon Lewis, principal trumpet.

Conductor Hotoda has a commitment to reimagining the 21st-century concert experience. Her vision can be seen through her thought-provoking programming, allyship to marginalized artists, advocacy for arts education, and dedication to presenting the music of our times.

Hotoda’s success as the music director of the Fresno Philharmonic since 2017 has resulted in the extension of her tenure through the 2025 season.

She has appeared as a guest conductor with leading ensembles, including the Symphony Orchestras of Baltimore, Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas, Detroit, Toronto, Winnipeg, Hawaii, and Utah, as well as the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.

Tickets for John Williams: A Cinematic Celebration can be purchased here. For more about the symphony’s 2022/23 season, click here or call 805-898-9386.

The John Williams tribute concert is part of the Granada Synergy Series. John Williams: A Cinematic Celebration is supported by Principal Concert Sponsor, Sarah & Roger Chrisman; Artist Sponsor, Lehrer Family Charitable Fund; and Selection Sponsors, and Omega Financial Group.