From Star Wars to Jurassic Park: Erie Phil Brings John Williams' Epic Scores to Life

Contributed

Experience the iconic music of John Williams – composer of scores that have defined generations like Star Wars and Jurassic Park – as the Erie Philharmonic performs a selection of his pieces at the historic Warner Theatre.

BEGINNING SATURDAY, SEPT. 27

Think of nearly any epic movie from the past 50 years: Star Wars, Harry Potter, Superman, Indiana Jones, Schindler's List, Jurassic Park – all of those films that have connected with generations around the world have one thing in common: the music of John Williams.

And now, the Erie Philharmonic is bringing those iconic soundtracks to life on the historic Warner Theatre stage for the kickoff of their 2025-2026 Hanes Erie Pops series, which will continue to include the music of Billy Joel in November and their always-popular Home for the Holidays event in December.

Executive Director of the Erie Philharmonic Bobby Pape comments, "When we talk about the American masters of the last century or so – the great exponents of who we are as a people and a country – his work stands shoulder to shoulder with everyone from Aaron Copland and William Schumann to Leonard Bernstein and Duke Ellington."

Oftentimes, film scores are the easiest way to introduce younger generations to the power of symphonic music and the folks in the Erie Phil encourage attendees to bring the whole family along to enjoy the show. Pape continues, "Ask members of the Erie Phil or any great orchestra today what drew them to their instruments, and many of their answers will have roots in the films they loved as kids, complete with dog-eared beginner parts and worn-out VHS tapes and DVDs."

Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. // Warner Theatre, 811 State St. // $17-$68 // For tickets and info: eriephil.org