The Hollywood Bowl stage was dedicated to composer John Williams.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic has announced the naming of the venue’s iconic stage in Williams’ honor. This is the first time in the Bowl’s 103-year history that the stage will be dedicated to an artist.
The new stage sign was unveiled during a private dedication ceremony hosted by Los Angeles Philharmonic President and CEO Kim Noltemy and Chairman of the Board Jason Subocki. This dedication is supported by the philanthropic efforts of longtime LA Phil supporters and friends of Williams, including Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw’s Herthland Foundation, Jason Subocki and Anne Akiko Meyers, Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen, Seth MacFarlane, Andrew Hewitt, Michael Rapino, Bill Silva, Barbara and Jay Laslo, Jay and Deanie Stein, and Kathleen. Kennedy and Frank Marshall, Katie McGrath and the J. J. Abrams Family Foundation.
“The Hollywood Bowl has become synonymous with the music of John Williams. His music captivated generations of film fans, and his concerts at the Bowl defined what it means to experience film music live. This dedication not only honors his artistic talent, but also honors the way he helped make the Bowl one of the most famous settings for symphonic film music,” said Noltemy.
“Without John Williams, bicycles wouldn’t really fly, broomsticks wouldn’t fly in Quidditch matches, men in red cloaks wouldn’t really fly,” Spielberg said. “There is no force. Dinosaurs do not roam the earth. We do not wonder, we do not cry, we do not believe.”
Williams has composed the music for more than 100 films, including all nine Star Wars films, the first three Harry Potter films, E.T., Jaws, and Jurassic Park. He became an annual bowl fixture. For many summers, Williams led the orchestra as lightsabers waved in the air as the “Star Wars” theme played to the Hollywood Bowl crowd. In recent years, Williams has taken a backseat and let others conduct, but his music continues to be admired by the LA Phil Orchestra and Angelenos, whether it’s on “Maestro of the Movies” or “Home Alone in Concert.”
At the unveiling ceremony, Mr. Williams expressed his gratitude for the honor. “This is an unprecedented and unparalleled honor in the generosity with which the Los Angeles Philharmonic family, my family, has shown this dedication. I would like to thank all of the donors of this effort who proudly support and honor the efforts of one of the world’s great orchestras, the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The uniqueness of this honor is certainly unprecedented, and I thank you all.”
