Excerpts from John Williams’ legendary scores for the Star Wars trilogies and Close Encounters of the Third Kind — as well as Gustav Holst’s The Planets, which influenced much of the Star Wars soundtrack — will be performed the weekend of March 26-28 by the Phoenix Symphony.
Former resident conductor Robert Moody (pictured) returns to Symphony Hall — lightsaber in hand, according to the announcement — to present the sci-fi pops event. Many of the Star Wars saga’s signature tunes will be included in the program, from the iconic opening theme to the menacing “Imperial March” that signals Darth Vader’s arrival. The Phoenix Symphony Chrous will even join in for “Battle of the Heroes,” the score of Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi’s climactic duel in Revenge of the Sith.
Costumed characters from the saga will also appear among the concert activities. The March 27 matinee will be even more kid-oriented, with character photo-ops, a pre-concert “instrument petting zoo” and Star Wars crafts.
Tickets to “Symphonic Star Wars” cost $26 to $76. Performances will be 8 p.m. March 26 and 27, 2:30 p.m. March 27 and 2 p.m. March 28.
Donations of nonperishable food items will be accepted at the event. For every 10 items donated, patrons can receive a voucher good for two tickets to upcoming Phoenix Symphony events in the 2009-10 season.
For more information, call (602) 495-1999 or visit www.phoenixsymphony.org.
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