The Los Angeles Philharmonic have announced the naming of the Hollywood Bowl’s iconic stage in honour of legendary composer John Williams, marking the the first time in the venue’s 103-year history that the stage has been dedicated to an artist.
In a ceremony [on Monday] hosted by LA Phil President and CEO Kim Noltemy and board chair Jason Subotky, the private dedication ceremony marked the unveiling of the new stage signage. The dedication is being supported by philanthropic commitments from longtime LA Phil supporters and friends of Williams, including Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw’s The Hearthland Foundation, Jason Subotky and Anne Akiko Meyers, Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen, Seth MacFarlane, Andrew Hewitt, Michael Rapino, Bill Silva, Barbara and Jay Rasulo, Jay and Deanie Stein, Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, and the Katie McGrath and J.J. Abrams Family Foundation.
Noltemy said, “The Hollywood Bowl has become synonymous with John Williams’ music. His scores have captivated generations of filmgoers, and his concerts at the Bowl have defined what it means to experience film music live. This dedication honors not only his artistic brilliance but also the way he has helped shape the Bowl into the most recognizable stage for symphonic film music.”
“Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes,” Spielberg said. “There is no Force, dinosaurs do not walk the Earth. We do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe.”
At the dedication, Williams shared his gratitude for the honor. He said, “This is an honor that is unprecedented and unequaled in generosity shown by the Los Angeles Philharmonic family — my family — in making this dedication. I want to thank all of the donors in this effort, who proudly support and salute the work done by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, one of the great orchestras of the world. The uniqueness of this honor is certainly unheard of and I thank all of you.”
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