SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – The South Bend Symphony Orchestra wrapped up its pop music streak last night at the Morris Performing Arts Center with an extraordinary performance.

The Symphony Orchestra dedicated last night to the music of world-renowned composer John Williams, who has composed the music and served as music director for more than a hundred films.

With May 4, also known as Star Wars Day, just around the corner, it seemed only fitting that they would pay homage to the living legend who created the Star Wars soundtracks, Harry Potter, ET, Jaws, Jurassic Park, etc. many more fan favorites.

“Music is the soundtrack to our lives, as music director Alastair (Willis) said, and it’s true. I mean, we grew up with Star Wars, and sometimes people don’t realize the quality of the music behind the image they’re looking at, so it’s a great opportunity. I think people talk about what the American sound of orchestral music is; it’s John Williams. It’s Star Wars, it’s ET, it’s all these great movies, and yes, there are movies, but it’s also amazing music,” said Justus Zimmerman, Executive Director of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. .

Mr. Williams has received 22 Grammys, four Golden Globes, five Emmys, seven British Academy Awards (BAFTA) and numerous gold and platinum records.

If one word could describe Saturday night’s performance, it would be nostalgia.

After the show, 16 News Now asked South Bend Symphony Orchestra violinist Forrest Miesse what she thought of the performance: “This is actually my first (concert) in South Bend. I’ve never played here before, and it was a great start because the music was so exciting and so passionate and popular with everyone. His music is not at all easy to play, but we like to play it, we like to practice it, which is not always the case with modern music, and it was just a great experience for us.

A happy coincidence last night; John Williams recently turned 90 and the South Bend Symphony Orchestra is about to celebrate its 90th anniversary.

For more information on the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, Click here.

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