Lee Mills, Music Director
Thomas A. and Shirley W. Roe Podium Fund

Miklós Rózsa (1907-1995)
Suite from Ben Hur
Parade of the Charioteers

Max Steiner (1888-1971)
Suite from Casablanca 

Elmer Bernstein (1922-2004)
Symphonic Suite from The Magnificent Seven

Bernard Herrmann (1911-1975)
A Short Suite for String Orchestra from Psycho

  I.    Prelude
 II.    The Murde
III.    Finale

John Williams (b. 1933)
Suite from Jaws
Shark Theme

John Williams (b. 1933)
Adventures on Earth from E.T. (The Extra – Terrestrial)

First half 37 minutes

INTERMISSION

Alan Silvestri (b. 1950)
Suite for Orchestra from Back to the Future

John Williams (b. 1933)
Theme from Jurassic Park

John Williams (b. 1933)
Suite for Orchestra from The Phantom Menace
Duel of the Fates

John Williams (b. 1933)
Suite for Orchestra from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Hedwig’s Theme

Alan Menken (b. 1949)
Overture from Beauty and the Beast

Michael Giacchino (b. 1967)
Star Trek Into Darkness

Second half 35 minutes

Film music by American composers

Once rarely heard at classical music concerts, film scores have become far more prominent in the concert hall in the past few decades. Increasingly, orchestras around the world perform live scores alongside film screenings, drawing large, enthusiastic audiences. Moreover, standalone film music concerts — like this one, featuring selections from composers like John Williams, Bernard Herrmann and Miklós Rózsa — are now staples in many orchestral seasons.

The use of classical techniques such as leitmotifs and symphonic structure in film scores has further bridged the gap between cinema and classical tradition. The emotional depth, vivid characterization and compositional sophistication of film music have earned it growing respect. As concert halls seek to attract broader audiences, film music offers a compelling gateway, reshaping perceptions of what belongs on the classical stage.

Miklós Rózsa: Parade of the Charioteers from Ben-Hur

Is there a more rousing way to begin a concert — or a season of concerts? Miklós Rózsa’s Parade of the Charioteers from Ben-Hur (1959) is a triumphant, brass-driven march evoking Roman grandeur. Its bold rhythms and regal fanfares underscore the film’s iconic chariot race, blending cinematic drama with classical orchestration. The piece exemplifies Rózsa’s mastery in fusing historical authenticity with sweeping emotional power.

Max Steiner: Suite from Casablanca 

Max Steiner’s Suite from Casablanca masterfully weaves iconic themes from the 1942 film, including “As Time Goes By,” into a lush orchestral tapestry. It captures the romance, tension, and nostalgia of the story, blending original motifs with patriotic tunes like “La Marseillaise” to evoke wartime emotion and cinematic grandeur.

Elmer Bernstein: Music from The Magnificent Seven

Elmer Bernstein’s score for The Magnificent Seven is a bold, iconic blend of sweeping orchestration and Western bravado. Its galloping rhythms and heroic themes evoke rugged landscapes and fearless gunslingers. The main theme became legendary, capturing the spirit of adventure and influencing countless film scores that followed.

Bernard Herrmann: Psycho - A Short Suite for String Orchestra

Bernard Herrmann’s Psycho – A Short Suite for String Orchestra distills the chilling essence of Hitchcock’s iconic film. Composed for muted strings, the music evokes suspense and psychological tension through eerie themes and rough, driving rhythms, the latter perhaps inspired by Stravinsky. The suite’s stabbing motifs, with the violins screaming, remain among cinema’s most unforgettable musical moments.

John Williams: Shark Theme from Jaws

John Williams' iconic Shark Theme from Jaws often provokes smiles of recognition as it begins softly in the depths of the orchestra. The driving theme, with strong hints of Stravinsky’s primitive style, uses two alternating notes to build suspense and dread. Its simplicity mirrors the lurking menace of the unseen predator. As the tempo quickens, so likely does the audience’s heartbeat, making it one of cinema’s most effective musical motifs for fear and anticipation.

John Williams: Adventures on Earth from E.T.

“Adventures on Earth” from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a sweeping orchestral piece by John Williams. It captures the wonder, urgency, and emotional depth of the film’s climax. With soaring strings and bold brass, it evokes flight, friendship, and farewell — an iconic musical journey that defines cinematic magic and childhood imagination.

Alan Silvestri: Music from Back to the Future

Alan Silvestri’s score for Back to the Future blends orchestral grandeur with thrilling energy. Its bold brass fanfare captures the excitement of time travel, while emotional motifs deepen dramatic moments. The music elevates the film’s adventure, becoming a timeless part of cinematic history and pop culture.

John Williams: Theme from Jurassic Park

John Williams’ Jurassic Park theme evokes wonder and grandeur, capturing the awe of encountering prehistoric life. Its soaring melody and lush orchestration mirror the majesty of dinosaurs, the mystery of science, and the glory of the imagination. The music balances beauty with some tension, underscoring the film’s blend of adventure, discovery, and looming danger.

John Williams: Dual of the Fates from Star Wars: Phantom Menace Suite

“Duel of the Fates” by John Williams is a powerful orchestral piece from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Featuring intense choral elements and dramatic rhythms, it underscores the epic lightsaber battle between Darth Maul, Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gon. Its haunting energy defines the saga’s emotional stakes.

John Williams: Hedwig's Theme from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

John Williams’ “Hedwig’s Theme” is a magical, iconic composition that defines the Harry Potter universe. Opening with celesta and haunting strings, it evokes mystery, wonder, and enchantment. Its whimsical yet eerie melody captures the spirit of wizardry, becoming a timeless musical symbol of the series’ fantastical world and emotional depth.

Alan Menken: Music from Beauty and the Beast

Alan Menken’s Music from Beauty and the Beast is enchanting and timeless, blending romantic melodies with rich orchestration. His score captures the magic and emotion of the story, from the whimsical “Be Our Guest” to the heartfelt title ballad. Menken’s work helped define Disney’s musical renaissance.

Michael Giacchino: Music from Star Trek Into Darkness

Michael Giacchino’s score for Star Trek: Into Darkness blends emotional depth with thrilling intensity. It begins with a brief homage to the original Star Trek series with Alexander Courage’s familiar opening theme, which Courage wrote in 1964. The music, with a chorus adding extra energy, then takes a darker turn with Giacchino’s 2013 music, mixing melodic grandeur with a powerful rhythmic momentum. 

Paul Hyde, a longtime arts journalist, is an English instructor at Tri-County Technical College. He writes regularly for the Greenville Journal, the S.C. Daily Gazette, EarRelevant, ArtsATL, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Readers may write to him at paulhydeus@yahoo.com.

Concert Hall Series
Saturday performances at 7:30
Sunday at 3:00 pm

Opening Night: Hollywood Retrospective
October 4 & 5

An American in Paris
November 22 & 23

Dvořák’s Cello Concerto
February 7 & 8

Grand Canyon Suite + Rachmaninoff 2
March 14 & 15

West Side Story Symphonic Dances 
+ Fanfare for the Common Man
April 11 & 12

Season Finale: Porgy and Bess
May 16 & 17

Gunter Theatre Series
Peter and the Wolf
November 1 at 3:00 pm
November 2 at 3:00 pm

Dvořák’s American String Quartet
February 14 at 7:30 pm 
February 15 at 3:00 pm

The Last Five Years:
American Music Now
March 28 at 7:30 pm
March 29 at 3:00 pm

Dicey Langston: 
The South Carolina Girl Who Defied an Army
April 25 at 3:00 pm
April 26 at 3:00 pm

Special Concerts
Holiday at Peace
December 12 at 7:00 pm
December 13 at 7:00 pm
December 14 at 2:00 pm
Peace Center

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ in Concert
January 10 at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm 
January 11 at 2:00 
Peace Center

Chamber Music Series
American Echoes: from Apollo to Bluegrass
September 23 at 5:30 pm, Warehouse Theatre
September 24 at 7:00 pm, Hotel Hartness

Rhythms of the Night: A Tango Affair
February 24 at 5:30 pm, Centre Stage

Details and tickets available at greenvillesymphony.org