London’s Royal Albert Hall will stage its first “Star Wars” in-concert weekender over four days in spring 2027, with the London Symphony Orchestra performing the iconic scores live to all three original trilogy episodes across two screenings each.
Running from April 29 to May 2, the event takes in “Episode IV: A New Hope,” “Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back” and “Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.” The presentation is licensed by Disney Concerts.
The weekender format follows the sold-out “Lord of the Rings” weekenders at the Hall scheduled for May this year – a U.K. first that established the template for presenting an entire trilogy in a single run. The 2027 dates coincide with the 50th anniversary of the release of “A New Hope” in 1977.
“The ‘Star Wars’ films have consistently been a fan favorite in our Films in Concert program over the years, so it’s such an honor for us to be hosting this classic saga over a single weekend for the very first time – we cannot wait. John Williams‘ score is such a significant part of the trilogy, so for attendees to see all three films with a live orchestra will be a truly memorable experience, that captures what fans felt when they first entered a galaxy far, far away,” said Matt Todd, director of programming at the Royal Albert Hall.
The LSO recorded John Williams’ original soundtracks for all three films in the trilogy.
“From that triumphant opening chord on the first recording session for ‘A New Hope’ in Anvil Studios, the Star Wars ‘sound’ has become synonymous with the London Symphony Orchestra, which carries the DNA of John Williams’s music in its blood,” said Sarah Quinn, LSO chair and sub-principal second violin. “What better way to celebrate this anniversary than reliving the original trilogy in full, and we look forward to sharing these momentous performances at the Royal Albert Hall.”
Now in its 17th year, the Hall’s Films in Concert series has built a catalogue spanning silent-era revivals through to contemporary blockbusters, with the LSO, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Chineke! Orchestra among the ensembles that have performed. The program’s breadth runs from “Singin’ in the Rain” and “The Godfather” to “Interstellar” and “Skyfall.” Coming up in 2026 are anniversary screenings of “La La Land,” “Casino Royale” and “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” among others.
Source:
variety.com
