In an enchanting evening at the Disney Concert Hall this past Saturday, “John Williams Spotlight: A Century of Film Music” unfolded as a mesmerizing kaleidoscope, showcasing some of Hollywood’s most illustrious works from the past century. At the helm of this sonic expedition was the esteemed conductor, David Newman, scion of the legendary composer Alfred Newman conducting the brilliant LA Phil. Sharing the stage were the virtuoso violinist Bing Wang and the exceptionally gifted soprano, Diana Newman, creating a triumvirate of musical brilliance.

The carefully curated selection of 16 pieces transported the audience through the rich tapestry of classic and modern cinema masterpieces, meticulously chosen by the influential composer John Williams, whose indelible mark on film music spans an extraordinary seven decades. The first half of the concert unveiled a cascade of emotions, from the mysteriously romantic theme of “Vertigo” by Herrmann to the poignant “Cathy’s Theme” from “Wuthering Heights” by Alfred Newman, enhanced by the emotive violin solo courtesy of Bing Wang. The suite from Franz Waxman’s “Sunset Blvd” resonated with a haunting beauty that left the audience spellbound, while Alex North’s “Spartacus” gave the audience a taste of both romance and battle.

After a brief intermission, the concert surged back to life with the thunderous adrenaline of Danny Elfman’s “Batman,” followed by the memorable strains of John Williams’ “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and Jerry Goldsmith’s riveting “Planet of the Apes.” The stage was then graced by soprano Diana Newman, delivering a breathtaking rendition of Ennio Morricone’s “Once Upon a Time in the West” — a rare treat as the piece has rarely been performed live.

The grand finale unfolded with a crescendo of emotions, featuring music from Thomas Newman’s “1917,” John Williams’ adventurous “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” Nino Rota’s timeless “The Godfather,” and Alan Silvestri’s jubilant “Back to the Future.” Just when the audience thought the night had reached its pinnacle, Newman returned to the stage, unleashing an encore of John Barry’s iconic James Bond theme. The familiar notes sparked another explosion of applause, as the crowd rose to their feet in another thunderous standing ovation.

–– G. Dhalla

For more information on events and concerts at the Disney Concert Hall, please visit www.laphil.com