Loras John Schissel conducts the
Blossom Festival Orchestra tonight in a program that includes John Williams' familiar music from the
Star Wars movies and
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Also on tap are lesser-known scores from
Schindler's List and the
Harry Potter flicks. The set also features tunes by old-school film composers Franz Waxman (
Prince Valiant) and David Raksin (
Laura), plus music from fan favorite
Carousel. "People think of
Star Wars as a lone phenomenon, but really, it's part of a continuum," says Schissel. "Williams is huge on the list. But he's there alongside many other great film composers."
Still, despite the accolades and the huge crowds this annual tribute always draws, Schissel says, he's a rarity in classical-music circles: a conductor who actually enjoys movie music. "Sometimes I feel like I'm the only conductor who really cares about this music," he sighs. However, strip the scores of their visuals, and you're left with a symphony. "It's like Wagner."
Sat., July 29, 8 p.m.; Sun., July 30, 7 p.m.
