Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Is Screening 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back' with a Live Soundtrack

When Darth Vader told Luke Skywalker that they're more than just mortal enemies, it became one of the most famous lines of dialogue in movie history (and one of the most misquoted). If you've seen Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back, you'll know that it's a powerful, memorable moment that changes the shape of the entire space saga. Even if you haven't, you still know what we're talking about.

Now, imagine just how epic it'll feel when you're watching the flick on a big screen and listening to John Williams' iconic score played by a live orchestra. Yes, The Force is strong in Melbourne once more, with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra staging the next in its series of Star Wars events: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert.

This isn't the first time that the MSO has done the honours with this very film, but after returning to Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope already in 2023, it's clearly working its way back through the space-opera franchise. This time, there'll be four screenings and performances from Thursday, October 19–Saturday, October 21 at Hamer Hall.

Jedis, wookiees and droids alike can expect tussles between the Rebels and the Empire, Luke learning his true parentage, Han flirting with Leia and getting frozen in carbon, Chewbacca being awesome, R2-D2 being adorable and C-3PO being annoying (well, he is). Plus, it's the flick that marks the first appearance of Lando Calrissian and the first time 'The Imperial March' is heard.

Conductor Nicholas Buc will be leading the charge again, and expect an energetic performance — it's his favourite Star Wars score.

"'As well as being a fan favourite in the series, The Empire Strikes Back introduces perhaps the greatest villain's theme in cinematic history, 'The Imperial March'. Williams' bombastic music for Darth Vader has since come to represent everything evil in the Star Wars universe and, combined with his new love theme for Han and Leia, this score improves on everything that Williams started in Episode IV,' said Buc.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert will screen at Hamer Hall from Thursday, October 19–Saturday, October 21. Head to the MSO website for further details, and for tickets from 10am on Tuesday, January 31.