Photo Credit: Conroe Symphony OrchestraMusic
Epic, Emotional and Unforgettable: Conroe Symphony Orchestra presents ‘A Tribute to John Williams’
The Conroe Symphony Orchestra invites audiences to experience the unforgettable, iconic movie music of legendary composer John Williams with their powerful February concert: A Tribute to John Williams. The concert will take place February 7 at 4:00 p.m. at First Methodist Conroe.
The program celebrates the instantly recognizable themes and heart-stirring storytelling of one of America’s most influential composers—brought to life by the power and color of a full symphony orchestra. For Music Director Gary Liebst, this program is more than just a collection of songs; it is a journey through the most emotionally charged moments in film history.
“A John Williams concert is a ‘must-see’ because it combines unforgettable, iconic movie music with the powerful sound of a full orchestra,” Liebst said. “We will be performing jaw-dropping selections from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and Harry Potter – music that is tied to stories and characters you know and love.”
Williams is renowned for melodies that stick with listeners long after the credits roll. The music, oftentimes, triggers memories from long ago. From bold, heroic fanfares to intimate, unforgettable solos, the concert is designed to feel like a cinematic event, without a screen. According to Liebst, this is no accident. “John Williams’ writing, specifically his melodies, always feels like a journey. They rise, build tension, and resolve, mirroring exactly how good storytelling works,” Liebst explained.
Audiences can expect a sonic spectacle, particularly from the CSO brass section.“I think the audience will really notice the French horns and trumpets,” Liebst noted. “In films like Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and Indiana Jones, the brass carries the heroism. Those bold themes are driven by the horn section.”
The afternoon will also feature two special solo performances that highlight the versatility of Williams’ work:
- Sheronna McMahon (Violin/Concertmaster) will perform the hauntingly beautiful theme from Schindler’s List. “It takes a very mature musician to deliver a simple melody that is so emotionally charged,” Liebst said of the selection.
- Sal Jimenez (Saxophone) will be featured on the theme from Catch Me If You Can. “This film is set in the 1960s, when jazz was stylish and cool,” Liebst noted. “The saxophone instantly places the listener in that era and matches the ‘cat and mouse’ personality of the film.”
For those who have never attended an orchestral concert, Liebst believes this is the perfect entry point. The familiarity of the music bridges the gap between the screen and the stage, helping new listeners understand how music expresses narrative without words.
“I hope that when people leave the performance, they say they could see the movie in their head,” said Liebst. “For some, the images may feel nostalgic. It’s going to be epic, emotional, and unforgettable.”
Tickets are on sale now for A Tribute to John Williams at conroesymphony.org or by calling the box office at 936-760-2144.
The CSO is grateful for its chair sponsors, The Texas Commission on the Arts, the Apricity Foundation and the NEA for their continued support.
Source: Conroe Symphony Orchestra
