Which is larger: The number of years that the extremely venerable Hollywood Bowl has proudly stood or the number of songs by beloved composer John Williams that have been played under the Bowl’s world-famous bandshell?
The answer is an easy one, for while the venue is most certainly long-standing — the Hollywood Bowl celebrated its 100th birthday a few years back — the marvelous movie music created by the great Mr. Williams has become, in a powerful way, the enduring soundtrack of the Bowl itself.
That close and creative relationship was sweetly cemented at a private dedication ceremony attended by the composer, his family members, LA Phil supporters, friends and colleagues — longtime collaborators Steven Spielberg and George Lucas were there — as well as Hollywood Bowl officials and dignitaries.
As for what exactly was being dedicated to the music legend, a composer who has enjoyed a relationship with the Hollywood Bowl that has lasted for over six sensational decades? It was none other than the Hollywood Bowl stage, a dedication described as a “… first in the storied history of the Bowl.”
The pairing of stage and superstar makes stirring sense, since everything from “The Imperial March” from “Star Wars” to the theme to “Jurassic Park” has been brought to thrillingly thunderous life at the Bowl.
Noah Tingen/LA Phil
Noah Tingen/LA Phil The Hollywood Bowl dedicated its stage to composer John Williams in a private ceremony. (photo: Noah Tingen/LA Phil)
“The Hollywood Bowl has become synonymous with John Williams’ music,” said Kim Noltemy, President & CEO of the LA Phil.
“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.”
In addition to creating the unforgettable scores of “Star Wars” and “Jurassic Park,” Mr. Williams fashioned the musical realms of a bounty of blockbusters, including “Jaws,” “Superman,” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
Following some live performances, a celebratory video, and the official unveiling of the John Williams Stage, the man in the spotlight shared a few moving remarks.
“This is an honor that is unprecedented and unequaled in generosity show 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.”
When the 2026 concert schedule arrives, right around mid-winter, and Hollywood Bowl fans begin to plan out what shows they’d like to see, count on more than a few people also planning to take a photo of the new stage sign.
It’s a lovely thank you, writ large, to a composer who has continued to connect the city, the movies, cinephiles, music lovers, and the Hollywood Bowl to higher ideals, a love of story, and, of course, each other.
“Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes,” Steven Spielberg has said.
“There is no Force, dinosaurs do not walk the Earth. We do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe.”
Learn more about the dedication and follow this page for updates for the Hollywood Bowl’s announcements about its upcoming summer schedule. Which, yes, will surely contain an epic ode or two to the eminent and iconic Mr. Williams.
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