John Williams has a permanent home at the Hollywood Bowl.
The LA Phil announced this week that it would be dedicating the venue’s stage to the legendary composer and conductor as a way to honor his contributions to the art form in what marks a first in the Bowl’s history.
LA Phil officials unveiled the dedication during a private ceremony attended by Williams and close friends and longtime collaborators like Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Mellody Hobson, Gustavo Dudamel, Mariá Valverde, Richard Dreyfuss, Thomas Newman, David Newman, LA Phil president and CEO Kim Noltemy, board chair Jason Subotky and others.
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. Noltemy, Subotky, Dudamel and director of Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation Norma Edith García-Gonzalez offered remarks.
“Few artists have shaped the sound of our collective imagination as profoundly as John Williams. His music transcends generations, languages, and borders — inviting us to dream, to hope, and to feel,” said Dudamel, LA Phil music and artistic director. “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.”
Added Noltemy: “The Hollywood Bowl has become synonymous with John Williams’ music. 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.”
The event culminated with the unveiling of the new John Williams Stage signage followed by remarks from the Oscar winner himself.
“This is an honor that is unprecedented and unequaled in generosity shown by the Los Angeles Philharmonic family — my family — in making this dedication,” said Williams, who, for decades, has churned out memorable big screen scores for classics like Star Wars, E.T., Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Jaws and many others. “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.”
This dedication is supported by philanthropic commitments from Spielberg and Kate Capshaw; the Hearthland Foundation; Subotky and Anne Akiko Meyers; Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen; Seth MacFarlane; Andrew Hewitt; Michael Rapino; Bill Silva; Barbara and Jay Rasulo; Jay and Deanie Stein; Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall; and the Katie McGrath and J.J. Abrams Family Foundation.
