John Williams gave “Star Wars” fans an unexpected moment at the Hollywood Bowl over the weekend.
The legendary composer made a surprise appearance during “Maestro of the Movies: A Tribute to John Williams.” He stepped onto the podium to conduct one of his most recognizable pieces.
94-year-old Williams led the Los Angeles Philharmonic through “The Imperial March.” This surprise appearance marked a rare return to public conducting for Williams after more than two years away from the podium.
John Williams Wasn’t Even Billed For The Hollywood Bowl Concert
GettyWilliams surprised concertgoers during the Hollywood Bowl’s September 5 performance of “Maestro of the Movies: A Tribute to John Williams.”
The legendary composer appeared during the show’s encore and took over conducting duties from David Newman. He then proceeded to lead the Los Angeles Philharmonic through “The Imperial March” from “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.”
Williams was not on the list of the announced performers for the concert. Newman was billed as the conductor, while “Jurassic World” actress and filmmaker Bryce Dallas Howard served as host.
Video shared by the Hollywood Bowl captured Williams receiving a standing ovation as he appeared before the orchestra. There were lightsabers glowing throughout the venue as he conducted the famous “Star Wars” piece.
It was a particularly fitting surprise, considering how heavily “Star Wars” featured in the evening. The official program included “The Throne Room and Finale” from “Star Wars: A New Hope,” alongside music from other Williams-scored films.
The concert also featured selections from “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Harry Potter,” “Jaws,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Superman,” “Jurassic Park,” and “Schindler’s List.”
According to Hollywood Bowl organizers, the tribute contained more than 50 minutes of specially edited movie clips. It’s the most ever included in the long-running concert series.
The first 500 ticket holders entering the venue for each show were also offered complimentary lightsabers.
Williams Hadn’t Conducted In Public In More Than Two Years
GettyWilliams’ appearance at the event carried additional significance because of how long it had been since his last public conducting performance. According to the John Williams Fan Network, this surprise performance marked his first time publicly conducting since February 22, 2024, at Carnegie Hall.
The legendary composer had also been absent from the Hollywood Bowl’s “Maestro of the Movies” podium for even longer. Before now, his last time conducting the concert series was in July 2023 when he shared conducting duties with Gustavo Dudamel.
People expected Williams to show up again in 2024, but he withdrew, leaving Newman to conduct the program. However, despite his extended absence from the podium, Williams has never formally announced that he has retired from conducting.
According to reports, Williams conducted “The Imperial March” during the September 4 and September 5 performances. He did not conduct during the final September 6 concert but appeared in a recorded message for the audience.
Williams Returned To A Hollywood Bowl Stage That Now Bears His Name
GettyBack in November 2025, the Hollywood Bowl officially dedicated its stage to Williams. The venue named it the John Williams Stage in recognition of his long relationship with the venue and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Williams’ history with the Hollywood Bowl stretches back much further than his annual movie-music concerts. Per the venue, he first attended concerts there as a teenager in the late 1940s. He later appeared on stage as a pianist with the LA Philharmonic before making his conducting debut at the Bowl in 1978.
The November dedication ceremony brought together several notable figures connected to Williams’ career, including Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Richard Dreyfuss, Thomas Newman, and David Newman.
