By Sheryl Jensen
“Star Wars” fans have a unique opportunity not only to see the complete film of “Star Wars: A New Hope” on the large screen at the DECC, but also to hear the iconic score played live by the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO) to accompany the film
Meyer mentioned that the DSSO in past seasons played the scores to the films “Jurassic Park,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Psycho,” and a dance scene movie that included “An American in Paris.” “That one was certainly the most difficult, because you have to time the orchestra to Gene Kelly’s tap dancing!”
Meyer stated, “The most challenging part of any John Williams score are the actual parts. Everyone in the orchestra has a truly virtuosic part that they have to not only master, but also deliver at exactly the right moment, in order to sync the movie and the music.”
“It is much different because you have to not just learn the music but also the exact timing of it,” he added. “I practice watching the movie with the musical timings indicated, and the complicated passages I have probably seen 20+ times now.”
“There are many big ‘Star Wars’ fans in our orchestra. Our concertmaster Erin might just be the biggest fan of them all,” Meyer said.
Aldridge said, “I am a total sci-fi nut, so usually anything space-related I am into. Also, I grew up with these films. They are such an important part of my childhood. I love the story and the characters, and I love that this film really transports you out of reality for a bit. The originals (IV-VI) don’t take themselves too seriously; they are a lot of fun!”
“We are lucky in that Dirk Meyer is extraordinary at conducting these films. He knows them so well and is so precise, which is a very difficult thing to do,” Aldridge added. “It has to be absolutely exact. The timing has to be perfect or you will lose the whole essence of the film, not to mention it will look out-of-sync, which is not enjoyable to watch.”
She explained, “The other thing that people find surprising is that John Williams scores are difficult for the players. For us, this is like playing another Masterworks classical concert (and a hard one at that). Everyone has been practicing a lot and it’s totally worth it!”
“I think there is no greater moment than the first chord you hear in the film. The film starts with the 20th Century Fox logo, then everything goes silent and the screen black. Still in silence, words appear ‘A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away . . . ‘ then you get smacked with this monstrous full orchestra chord,” she said.
Aldridge added, “There is nothing like it, and it is so identifiable and iconic. I expect the roof to blow off Symphony Hall when we play the opening scene. It has all the great melodies and is simply powerful and fun!”
Information on Star Wars: A New Hope
Film Live with Orchestra
Full Orchestra Conducted by Dirk Meyer
Music by John Williams
The May 10 evening concert is sold out. Tickets are still available for the May 11 matinee at dsso.com or by calling 218-623-DSSO (3776).
Experience the iconic film like never before as the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ legendary, Oscar-winning score live with the movie. Relive the magic of this cinematic masterpiece on the big screen, May 10th at 7:30 pm and a second show added for May 11th at 2 pm.
The DSSO is appreciative of all their sponsors (both individual and corporate) who support the Orchestra’s concerts and quality programming each season. Sponsors for the Saturday “Star Wars” concert are Allete and Curtis A. Teberg/The Teberg Fund. Teberg has been the Portfolio Manager and President of the Fund since its inception.
Ann Hockman, Chief Compliance Officer with the Teberg Fund, said, “Curtis has been a generous supporter of the DSSO for many years and appreciates all that the DSSO has done to enrich the community. As the DSSO concludes their 2024-25 season, Curt is excited for the ‘Star Wars’ concert and for the special surprise planned as part of the event.”
The Sunday concert is sponsored by the Moses G. and Julie M. Smith Foundation. The DSSO has invited close to 400 people to experience symphonic music for the first time at 2:00 p.m. for the “Star Wars” film and symphony accompaniment. Complimentary tickets have gone out to the Boys and Girls Clubs, local high school students, Lifehouse, and many other organizations.
