Wizardry and Wonder: The Music of John Williams
Step into the magic of the movies with a grand tribute to John Williams, the legendary composer whose scores have become the soundtrack of our lives. From the sweeping landscapes of War Horse to the whimsical wizarding world of Harry Potter, this evening celebrates the cinematic mastery and emotional depth of the most Oscar-nominated man alive.
Leading the evening is Bob Bernhardt, one of America’s most celebrated pops conductors and a specialist in bringing cinematic music to the concert hall. Currently in his 45th season with the Louisville Orchestra — where he has served as Principal Pops Conductor since 1997 — Bernhardt made his Boston Pops debut at the personal invitation of John Williams in 1992 and has returned as a frequent guest ever since. His deep familiarity with the Williams catalog makes him the ideal guide for a program this rich in scope and variety. Over a career spanning four decades, he has collaborated with everyone from the Beach Boys to Broadway’s Kelli O’Hara. A self-described “musical omnivore” and former Academic All-American baseball player, Bernhardt brings a unique blend of precision, versatility, and infectious joy to the podium.
While everyone recognizes the themes to Star Wars or Jaws, this concert offers a rare opportunity to hear the full breadth of John Williams’ genius. The first half of the program explores his “hidden gems”—deeply moving, sophisticated scores that showcase his ability to capture the American spirit: both the tragedy and the triumph. In the second half, the orchestra transforms the theater into Hogwarts, performing an extensive suite of music from the first three Harry Potter films. Hearing these complex, multi-layered scores performed live by a full symphony orchestra is a visceral experience that a movie theater simply cannot replicate.
Program
Part I: The Soul of a Legend
Dartmoor, 1912 (from War Horse): A sweeping, pastoral opening that captures the beauty and hope of the English countryside.
The Mission (NBC News Theme): The pulse of American news. You’ll recognize this iconic, high-energy theme immediately.
Themes from The Book Thief: Intimate and quietly devastating, this score showcases Williams at his most tender and restrained.
“Remembrances” (from Schindler’s List): One of the most moving pieces Williams ever wrote — a melody that speaks directly to the heart.
Olympic Spirit: Written for the 1988 Games, this is Williams at his most triumphant and heroic.
“With Malice Toward None” (from Lincoln): A stately, beautiful work for strings that evokes the dignity and weight of American history.
Themes from Far and Away: A soaring, epic score that follows Irish immigrants chasing the American dream — a rousing and fitting close to the first half.
Part II: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
A journey through the music of the first three films, including the iconic Hedwig’s Theme, the mischievous Aunt Marge’s Waltz, the frantic energy of The Knight Bus, and the soaring Fawkes the Phoenix. It is a masterclass in musical storytelling that brings the magic of the screen to life.
This is a concert for everyone — the lifelong classical music fan, the Harry Potter devotee, the family looking for a summer night they’ll all remember. John Williams has spent six decades proving that great music doesn’t need a category. Come enjoy an evening and find out what makes his work so special.