In a surprising turn of events, legendary composer and conductor John Williams has canceled his scheduled performances at Tanglewood this summer. The 92-year-old maestro, renowned for his iconic film scores, will not be appearing due to a recent health concern. However, he is expected to make a full recovery.
Williams was slated to conduct “John Williams’ Film Night” on August 2 and 3, and participate in “Tanglewood on Parade” on August 6. These events are highly anticipated, drawing fans eager to experience the magic of his music live.
“John Williams’ Film Night” is a beloved event where the Boston Pops perform music from Hollywood’s golden age to contemporary classics, accompanied by film clips. In Williams’ absence, conductor David Newman will take over the second half of the program. Newman, a seasoned conductor and composer, has a long history with Tanglewood and the Boston Pops, making him a fitting substitute.
For “Tanglewood on Parade,” which features a variety of musicians and conductors, Ken-David Masur will step in for Williams. Masur, who has an impressive resume as the music director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and principal conductor of the Chicago Symphony’s Civic Orchestra, is well-equipped to handle the prestigious event.
John Williams is a household name, known for his work on films such as “Jaws,” “Star Wars,” “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,” the “Indiana Jones” series, and “Jurassic Park.” His contributions to the world of film music have earned him 54 Academy Award nominations, making him one of the most celebrated composers in history.
Ticket holders for the affected events have been notified of the changes. Tanglewood has assured attendees that the events will proceed as planned, albeit with the new conductors. Any questions regarding the schedule changes can be directed to [email protected].
Williams’ absence is undoubtedly a disappointment for many fans. His presence at Tanglewood has always been a highlight of the summer season. Last year, he conducted the Boston Pops at Film Night, drawing a crowd of 18,000 fans who treated him like a rock star.
The Boston Symphony Orchestra, which manages Tanglewood, did not issue a formal media announcement about Williams’ cancellations. Instead, they opted to inform ticket holders directly. A spokesperson for the orchestra confirmed that Williams’ health concern is not expected to have long-term effects.
In addition to his Tanglewood cancellations, Williams also withdrew from three July dates at the Hollywood Bowl. The announcement on the venue’s website mirrored the one from Tanglewood, citing the same health concern.
David Newman, who will be stepping in for Williams, has an impressive career of his own. He has scored nearly 100 feature films and is known for his work on the 1997 and 1998 versions of the 20th Century Fox fanfare. His previous appearances at Tanglewood, particularly on film nights, have been well-received.
Ken-David Masur, who will conduct the first half of the Film Night shows and the Tanglewood on Parade event, is no stranger to prestigious orchestras. He has guest-conducted for the Chicago Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the San Francisco Symphony, and many others. His international experience includes performances in France, Germany, Korea, Japan, Scandinavia, and Russia.
The Aug. 6 Tanglewood on Parade program will feature a tribute to Seiji Ozawa, with Masur joining conductors Keith Lockhart, Alan Gilbert, and Anna Rakitina. This event promises to be a memorable evening, despite Williams’ absence.
While fans will miss seeing John Williams in person, the show will go on with the capable hands of David Newman and Ken-David Masur. Tanglewood remains committed to delivering an exceptional musical experience, honoring the legacy of one of the greatest film composers of all time.
