Cinematic: The John Williams Birthday Party with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra

Overview

What do the Star Wars theme song and its Jurassic Park, Jaws, Superman and Harry Potter equivalents all have in common? Two things. Firstly, when you hear each and every one, they instantly transport you into the world of their respective films. That's what a good piece of movie music does — whether or not the accompanying images are playing in front of you. Secondly, they're all the product of one man: five-time Oscar-winner and 52-time nominee John Williams.

On Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30, all of the above pieces will also echo through QPAC's Concert Hall. Similarly set to get a spin: Williams' tunes from Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Hook, Memoirs of a Geisha, Schindler's List, JFK, The Terminal and more. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra will be playing them, putting on a show dedicated to the iconic composer. You won't be watching the relevant flicks, but rather soaking in their sounds as they're all played live.

The reason: Williams turned 90 this year, although no one ever needs an excuse to send copious amounts of love his way.

As part of its Cinematic series, QSO will be performing three concerts, at 7.30pm on both nights, and also at 1.30pm on the Saturday.

And to get you in the mood, here's an excerpt from the always-enchanting Jurassic Park soundtrack: