The legendary American film composer John Williams conducts the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for the first time – “Visit from the dear God” was the title of the standard, “standing cheering choirs at their very first appearance: as if God is received by earthly disciples”.

Symphonic Hollywood sounds on the stage of the Vienna Musikverein – the world-famous orchestra plays cult themes from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park and other milestones of film history. Star guest Anne-Sophie Mutter with adaptations for violin specially arranged for her by Williams.

Star Wars, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park – the soundtracks of the master of cinematic magic John Williams are among the most popular in the history of film and have received numerous prestigious awards, including five Oscars, five Emmys, four Golden Globes and twenty-five Grammys. Now the legendary American film composer has recorded the most famous, beautiful and touching cult themes for the first time with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. “Star moments of film music” was the title of the Wiener Zeitung, “Hollywood’s grandmaster enthused with excerpts from his life’s work at the desk of the Vienna Philharmonic.

Williams’ two concerts in the Vienna Musikverein on 18th and 19th January 2020 were the first performances that the composer ever conducted in continental Europe. Working with the Vienna Philharmonic was “a very special honour” in his life. In addition to Williams and the orchestra, another exceptional artist was on stage in the first half of the concert: Anne-Sophie Mutter. Thus the conductor and the violinist continued their artistic partnership after their joint album Across the Stars.

The new album “John Williams in Vienna” combines cult themes from E. T., Great White Shark, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones and other milestones in film history as well as two previously unreleased adaptations, specially arranged by Williams for Mother, for violin of “Devil’s Dance” from The Witches of Eastwick and “Raider’s March” from Indiana Jones: Hunters of the Lost Treasure. Of course, the world-famous “Imperial March” from Star Wars should not be missing. “One of the best performances of this march that I have ever heard,” Williams noted.

John Williams in Vienna documents the historical performance – “a very special honour” in the life of the composer.