The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO), led by Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray, will perform Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert on Friday, June 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 3 at 2 p.m. at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto. Fans will be able to experience the scope and grandeur of the complete film with Oscar-winning composer John Williams’ musical score performed live to film by the MSO.
“We are so excited to finish our season with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert,” said Caroline Nickel, President and CEO of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. “The Star Wars franchise is beloved by so many, and we are thrilled to be able to present The Empire Strikes Back in its entirety with our full orchestra performing John Williams’ score live. This is one of the most iconic film scores ever composed and we guarantee you’ll have goosebumps when you see the opening titles with the full force of an orchestra performing live.”
Since the release of the first Star Wars movie over 40 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on cinema and culture, inspiring audiences worldwide with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects, and iconic musical scores composed by Williams.
The performance will be staged in the Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater at 1000 I St., Modesto.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert is produced under license by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox and Warner/Chappell Music.
Tickets are available online through ModestoSymphony.org or through the Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket Office at (209) 338-2100. Groups of 10-plus receive a 15 percent discount on tickets. Call (209) 338-5064 for more information.
Gallo Center Ticket Office hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday noon to 6 p.m.
American conductor Ryan Murray has found steady acclaim as a compelling, dynamic and unflappable presence on the podium. He is currently Principal Pops Conductor for the Modesto Symphony, Music Director of the Auburn Symphony, and Artistic Director of Music in the Mountains.
With an enthusiasm for film scores, Murray enjoys the unique challenges of conducting movies in concert and was recently added to the Disney & ICM Approved Conductors list.
Disney Concerts is the concert production and licensing division of Disney Music Group, the music arm of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Concerts produces concerts and tours, and licenses Disney music and visual content to symphony orchestras and presenters on a worldwide basis. Disney Concerts’ concert packages include a variety of formats, such as “live to picture” film concerts and themed instrumental and vocal compilation concerts, and range from instrumental-only symphonic performances to multimedia productions featuring live vocalists and choir.
