Hollywood Bowl John Williams

Photo Credit: Hollywood Bowl (Instagram)

The Hollywood Bowl stage has been dedicated to composer John Williams in a ceremony hosted by the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic announced the naming of the Hollywood Bowl stage in honor of composer John Williams. In the venue’s 103-year history, it is the first time that the stage has been dedicated to an artist.

A private dedication ceremony hosted by LA Phil President and CEO Kim Noltemy and board chair Jason Subotky unveiled the new stage dedication and associated signage. The dedication was supported by commitments from longtime LA Phil supporters and friends of Williams, including Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw’s The Hearthland Foundation.

Other supporters include Jason 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.

“The Hollywood Bowl has become synonymous with John Williams’ music,” said Noltemy. “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.”

“Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes,” added Spielberg. “There is no Force; dinosaurs do not walk the Earth. We do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe.”

Williams has composed the music for over a hundred films, including all the Star Wars films, the first three Harry Potter films, E.T., Jaws, and Jurassic Park. For many years, Williams has become a regular fixture at the venue, leading the orchestra as lightsabers wave in the air during the Star Wars theme.

“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, sharing his gratitude over the honor. “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.”