Royal Albert Hall

Over three days in December 1979 and a further six days in January 1980 at Anvil Studios in Denham, the musicians of the 87-piece London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by John Williams himself, recorded the score to the second instalment in the Star Wars saga: The Empire Strikes Back.

This September, the epic score will be performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by John Williams’ colleague and dear friend, Maestro Dirk Brossé, alongside a projection in high-definition on the big screen.

But first, let’s take a closer look at the soundtrack to get you excited about Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert…

Watch: John Williams on working with the London Symphony Orchestra

Since laying down the ‘most memorable score of all time’ – Star Wars: A New Hope (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) together in March 1977, the LSO and John Williams collaborated on many other blockbuster scores including Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark, several of the Harry Potter franchise, and not to mention the next four Star Wars films to follow.

Listen: London Symphony Orchestra perform Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Learn more: The Philharmonia Orchestra and soundtracks

The LSO performed the score to The Empire Strikes Back first, but the world-class Philharmonia symphony orchestra promises to fill the big shoes of the original performers this September. Like the LSO, the Philharmonia has a proud history of recording soundtracks for film and television. Click here find out about all the film soundtrack recordings they have undertaken over the years. With the help of Dirk Brossé as conductor, they will take the epic score to breathtaking new heights.

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