Behind the Podium / June 2 & 3: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert
The Saga Continues with The Empire Strikes Back!
This June 2nd & 3rd, the Modesto Symphony Orchestra returns to a galaxy far, far away when we perform Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert, live to film!
Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray conducted many of the MSO’s film concerts, including last year’s Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert. This year, he will be leading 84 musicians in perfect time as Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back plays on a 26’ x 16’ screen (the equivalent of 36 60” TVs!). An impressive feat that is a result of only 5 total hours of rehearsal time together!
Read on as we interview Ryan for an exclusive look behind the stage to see what goes into preparing for a unique concert like this.
MSO: Now that you’ve done Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert, what did you learn from that experience and were there any surprises or challenges that come to mind?
RM: I think that the most interesting thing about performing the Star Wars movies in concert is how much freedom you have as a conductor. The score is written in such a symphonic way that you have the room to be slightly flexible with each performance- each performance is unique and exciting! Obviously, there are key moments where you have to make sure everything lines up exactly, but there are other places where you can let the orchestra be a little bit free and that makes for a really incredible musical experience.
MSO: John Williams’ scores are so iconic and each film he works on is distinctive, even when included in a franchise like Star Wars. Are there any differences to the overall musical tone for this movie, The Empire Strikes Back compared to A New Hope?
RM: There are a lot of similarities in the soundtrack including the overall size of the orchestra, the way the music is scored and the iconic opening credits music, but there is a little bit of a darker tone to this movie. The music is a bit more introspective, and I think emotionally a little bit deeper as well. We get introduced to some new characters in this film including Yoda, and the wonderful music that makes up Yoda’s theme. We also see a great character development arch happening with the main players from the first film and the music reflects that beautifully.
MSO: So, who is your favorite character from the franchise and what is your favorite theme to listen to and which is your favorite to conduct?
RM: It would be hard to pick a favorite character from the franchise, probably Yoda or Darth Vader – talk about opposite ends of the spectrum! They both have such great music!
I really enjoy conducting the opening theme – that classic Star Wars melody. The opening ten minutes of every Star Wars movie features the entire orchestra and some really challenging music– it’s always a lot of fun! I always enjoy listening to the Imperial March – there is such intensity to that music – and such great brass writing!
The Force is Strong with the MSO
Come join Ryan Murray & the MSO on a trip to a galaxy far, far away in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert this June 2 & 3 at the Gallo Center for the Arts!
