Feature: Star Wars, CBSO, Symphony Hall, 24-26 October, 2025 by Dan Auluk

Star Wars Feature by Dan Auluk

On Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th of October, I shall be attending a special event; music from the first trilogy of Star Wars films played by the CBSO, in the Uk’s finest concert hall, The Symphony Hall.

I am a huge Star Wars fan, especially the first trilogy of films. The first time I watched Star Wars was in 1983 when I was 13 years old on our Phillips colour television; the music and colour immediately captured my attention; I was watching the future of epic Sci-Fi. The opening note and fanfare to the credits for Star Wars Main title, certainly got my attention as this sound still surprises me and captures attention straight away; as did the styled credits based on the 1930’s serial chapters, which, along with the opening music has pace and excitement about it. The drama and the urgency of the opening credits then catapult us into the start of the film, with an opening battle scene that feels like we are watching the middle part of a film. I was immediately captivated by the music and imagery, and the sounds of laser guns and explosions. I always feel sound and music can make or break a film; and the music and sound, need to work with the storytelling, a seamless blend. The Star Wars films certainly achieved this through the genius of John Williams, composer of the score for all 9 nine of the primary Star Wars films. Clearly, Williams takes inspiration from some of the greats including Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky and Holst and, producing a musical arrangement that is sublime and offers an unforgettable experience. The music elevates the film to beyond just fantasy sci-fi but to operatic intensity!

One of the UK’s leading orchestras, the best concert hall in the UK, what could be better. It’s a great opportunity to concentrate solely on the music, relax into a new depth of sound and, maybe, notice things I have not heard before.

May the force be with me.

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