Elgin Symphony to perform film music of John Williams

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra will perform “The Film Music of John Williams” in three performances, including two in Elgin on Nov. 20 and 21 at the Hemmens Cultural Center.

The concert will feature music from “E.T. the Extra Terrestrial,” “Jaws,” “Harry Potter,” “Schindler’s List,” “Far and Away,” “The Adventures of Tintin” and many more of his well-loved movie scores.

John Williams is the most celebrated composer of film scores, a news release stated. His compositions are iconic and immediately recognizable. Just a few notes can take you on a journey worlds away, through history, time and space. A legend in our time, the 89-year-old maestro has been nominated for 52 Oscars – second only to Walt Disney – and took home five. He has won 25 Grammy Awards.

The concert also will be performed Nov. 19 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.

Tickets are available at the ESO Box Office, 20 DuPage Court, Elgin, or by phone at 847-888-4000 on Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets also may be purchased online at ElginSymphony.org. Masks and proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination are required for all attendees.

Media sponsor for the event is 90.9 FM WDCB. The event is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

About the Elgin Symphony Orchestra

The ESO was founded in 1950, and became a fully professional ensemble in 1985. Over its history, the ESO has featured a roster of legendary soloists including classical music legends Yo-Yo Ma, Kathleen Battle, Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zucherman, Sir James Galloway and James Ehnes. The ESO has been named Orchestra of the Year four times by the Illinois Council of Orchestras (1988, 1999, 2005 and 2016).

A community organization that draws its creativity and artistry from the Elgin area, the ESO is dedicated to giving back to the areas it serves. Ensemble members regularly perform at local hospitals and hospice centers, offer music education programs within local schools, and provide free experiences through the Listeners Club and open-to-the-public rehearsals.

In 2021, the ESO commemorates the anniversary of former Music Director Margaret Hillis’ 100th birthday. One of the first females to break through the male-dominated world of conducting, Margaret Hillis led the ESO from 1971 to 1984, advancing its artistic growth significantly.

The ESO is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. To learn more or to support the ESO, visit www.elginsymphony.org.