The Music of John Williams
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
- Great for groups
- First-timer friendly
- Early finish
- Date
- Fri, 19 Mar 2027
- Time
- 19:30 · 2h 0m
- Venue
- Usher Hall, Edinburgh
- City
- Edinburgh
- Conductor
- Richard Kaufman
- Tickets
- from £21
You'll be taken to the ensemble's official site.
Summary
Richard Kaufman leads the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in a programme of film scores by John Williams at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.
Why it's fantastic
These scores are the reason many of us first fell in love with cinema. You will recognise every note of these legendary themes, from the sweeping heroics of space travel to the ominous two-note cello motif that kept a generation of swimmers out of the water.
Our guide to this performance
What you'll hear
We are set for an evening that celebrates the cinematic legacy of John Williams. You will hear a selection of scores that have defined modern film, ranging from the soaring brass fanfares associated with intergalactic conflict to the tense, repetitive string patterns that became synonymous with ocean-bound suspense. The programme is designed to showcase the full technical range of a symphony orchestra, highlighting how these compositions use distinct instrumental colours to tell stories without words. Listen for the way the woodwinds create a sense of wonder in the quieter moments, contrasting with the robust, driving rhythms of the percussion and brass during the more adventurous sequences. These pieces are notable for their melodic clarity and their ability to evoke specific visual memories. While the full list of works remains unconfirmed, the evening is shaped to guide you through different eras of the composer's career, demonstrating his influence on the sound of the silver screen over several decades.
Who's performing
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra takes the stage at their Edinburgh home under the baton of Richard Kaufman. Based in Glasgow but serving the whole of Scotland, this ensemble is highly regarded for its versatility, moving easily between standard classical repertoire and large-scale film music projects. Richard Kaufman is a specialist in this field, known for his precise handling of orchestral scores originally written for the cinema. Together, they bring a wealth of experience to this music, ensuring the complex orchestrations are delivered with the clarity and impact required for such well-known cinematic themes.
Planning your evening
This performance takes place at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh. With a total duration of 120 minutes, it is a substantial evening of music that remains accessible for those new to orchestral concerts. The familiarity of the repertoire makes it a gentle introduction for first-time attendees. There is no specific dress code for this event; audiences typically wear anything from smart-casual to formal attire. As this is a purely orchestral concert rather than a film screening, there are no surtitles or visual projections to consider.
Written by the Bravura editorial team from the ensemble's published programme and venue information. We don't reproduce copy from box-office sites. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
