★★★★☆
The Queensland Symphony Orchestra presents an incredible celebration of the iconic film composer with The Music of John Williams. The most legendary tunes in film history are played live by the talented Symphony Orchestra in this adrenaline-rushed and nostalgia-filled show.
From the menacing two-note composition in Jaws, Harry Potter’s magical Hedwig’s theme and the brazen songs in Star Wars, Williams’ music has played in the hearts and minds of film lovers for generations.
John Williams’ work has become synonymous with adventure and can instantly transport listeners to another world. His renowned partnership with director Steven Spielberg has seen them create 29 films together, with their thirtieth, Disclosure Day, coming out later this year.
Despite initially retiring from film composing in 2022, Williams has fortunately returned with plans to keep creating for the rest of his golden years. He is the most Academy Award-nominated person alive today, with 54 nominations, with the second most nominations in history after Walt Disney, who has 59 nominations.
The main title from Star Wars is an epic opening to the concert that promises an evening of momentous performances. It’s a song so famous that it doesn’t even need an introduction for any pop-culture fan to recognise the stunning composition.
The mix of strings, brass and woodwind instruments perfectly comes together in this bold melody that echoes in the minds of listeners. The tune was originally believed to be too basic for the sci-fi genre of the time, with other composers favouring more complex or futuristic scores. But the composition in Star Wars reshaped the standard and paved the way for Williams’ other renowned works.
The excitement only escalates with the Raiders March, the theme from Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark. This backing sound to the high-stakes archaeological adventure is jovial and features an upbeat tune that stirs exhilaration. It’s mesmerising to watch the quick and animated movements of the symphony orchestra and conductor Nicolas Buc in this sequence.
A personal favourite is the Jurassic Park theme, which is a composition that instils a lot of hope and aspiration despite the fearful plot of the movies. Interestingly, it’s a slower tune than some of Williams’ other action and adventure compositions and stands out for its great sweeping notes, giving time for listeners to appreciate the sound.
When John Williams was first approached by Steven Spielberg for the film composition in Schindler’s List, he told the director, “Steven, for this film, you need a better composer than I am.” To which Spielberg famously replied, “You’re right, John. But they’re all dead.”
The resulting theme is beautiful and gentle. It features an incredibly complex violin solo that Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Concertmaster Glenn Christensen perfectly executes; his performance is beyond outstanding. Christensen’s poised and swift movements with his bow inspire admiration even with such a melancholy tune.
The Queensland Symphony Orchestra glides to success under Conductor Nicolas Buc’s strong leadership. As an award-winning composer, conductor and arranger Buc gives great insight into the music that’s being played. His innate passion and enthusiasm are clearly visible in every performance, where he consistently excels and has audiences eager for more.
The stage, set up with the many skilled musicians, looks as remarkable as they sound playing their instruments. The orchestra’s flawless, synchronicity and graceful movements while performing such big and multifaceted songs are amazing.
The Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s The Music of John Williams is a breathtaking tribute to a film-composing legend. Not just catchy earworms, Williams’ work has helped define some of the biggest movie franchises of the last few decades.
Playing for a limited time only, popular demand saw both shows sell out before opening. Williams’ music has the special ability to unlock another world in listeners’ imaginations. Brought to life by the unbelievably talented musicians in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, The Music of John Williams ignites a sense of wonder and sentimentality.
The Music of John Williams is performed by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and runs to 28 February at the Concert Hall, QPAC.
The season is now sold out.
Website: https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2026/qso-the-music-of-john-williams
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/qsorchestra/
Images supplied.
