March 2, 2019 – The New World Symphony presented the 31st Anniversary Gala, “A Celebration of John Williams.” Honored guest and legendary composer, John Williams, scored many of the most iconic films of our generation such as E.T, Indiana Jones, Schindler’s List, Close Encounters of a Third Kind, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter and Star Wars to name just a few.
John Willams arrives for the New World Symphony’s 31st Anniversary Gala performance
The gala performance was broadcast live as a Wallcast concert and included clips of these iconic films conducted by Sarah Hicks, Michael Tilson Thomas, Francesco Lecce-Chong and John Williams himself. Williams lead the New World Symphony fellows in “Adventures on Earth” from E.T, followed by a surprise performance by Itzhak Perlman.
“There’s a very basic human, non-verbal aspect to our need to make music and use it as part of our human expression. It doesn’t have to do with body movements, it doesn’t have to do with articulation of a language, but with something spiritual.”
Thierry Isambert
Guests in Soundscape Park and inside the New World Center were entertained by some recognizable party crashers from the Everglades Squad, including Storm Troopers, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Chewbacca, R2D2, Darth Vader and the Imperial Guard! Throughout cocktail hour, guest enjoyed an interactive experience with the Star Wars characters who also served as entertaining ushers when it was time to enter the Performance Hall.
“Music is there for everybody. It’s a river we can all put our cups into and drink it and be sustained by it.”
Images from the films scored by John Williams were projected overhead in the atrium, along with quotes by John Williams and Michael Tilson Thomas. For the décor in the Atrium and dining areas, the idea was to evoke a feeling of old Hollywood glam with plush velvet couches and cushions, and a color scheme of dark blue, black and metallic silver and gold.
Each room featured different linens in either black velvet, black and silver, or blue and gold graphic patterns. There was also layering of different, beautiful china and opulent details and centerpieces that were unique to each room.
The SunTrust Pavillion
The chandelier in the SunTrust Pavilion.
The Rooftop Garden
The Donor’s Lounge
Appetizer: Smoked Vegetable Carpaccio
The “Celebration Trio:” a mini magnum, raspberry pavlova and a crispy cone with caramel popcorn, a combination reminiscent of movie theater concession stand treats.