Media Contact
Janelle Kruly
janellek@reveilleinc.com 

Experience John Williams’ iconic scores performed live by full symphony orchestra, led by Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez

From the famous opening credits to the menacing “Imperial March,” the music of Star Wars has become as legendary as the films themselves. On July 25, Pacific Symphony invites audiences to hear the beloved scores live under the stars at Great Park Live, as Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez leads the orchestra on a musical journey spanning nearly five decades of the beloved saga.

Part of Pacific Symphony’s SummerFest season, presented by City of Hope Orange County, “The Music of Star Wars” celebrates the unforgettable music that has accompanied generations of heroes, villains, and adventures across the galaxy. The concert brings audiences up-close to the sweeping themes, thrilling action music, and emotional moments that have helped make Star Wars one of the most beloved franchises in cinematic history.

“This concert promises to be highly entertaining and interactive as we put the spotlight on the music that helped make Star Wars the cultural phenomenon it is today,” says Lopez-Yañez. “These scores are among the most recognizable ever written for film and hearing them performed live allows audiences to experience their power, excitement and emotional depth in a completely different way.”

Lopez-Yañez notes that many Pacific Symphony musicians have worked directly with composer John Williams and performed on Star Wars film soundtracks.

“That’s what makes this concert especially meaningful,” he adds. “Many of our musicians have a personal connection to this music and to John Williams himself. It’s a rare opportunity to hear these iconic scores performed by artists who helped create them originally.”

Spanning nearly five decades of cinematic storytelling, the Star Wars saga has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring generations through its timeless themes of hope, heroism, and adventure. At the heart of its enduring legacy is Williams’ instantly recognizable scores, whose soaring melodies and dramatic themes have shaped some of the most iconic moments in film history.

The program boasts a selection of Star Wars’ most captivating themes including the “Star Wars Main Title,” “Anakin’s Theme,” “Battle of the Heroes,” “The Adventures of Han,” “The Speeder Chase,” “Parade of the Ewoks” and “Duel of the Fate,” among many others. For the full program, visit https://www.pacificsymphony.org/show-details/the-music-of-star-wars. 

Audience members are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Star Wars character. Face paint is not allowed, and if masks are worn, they must be removable. Plastic light sabers are allowed, but no weapons. (There will be a special light saber inspection table before entering the venue.)

“The Music of Star Wars” takes place Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 8 p.m. at Great Park Live in Irvine. SummerFest subscription packages include free parking, fee-free ticket exchanges and access to reserved table seating. Single tickets range from $44-$160. For tickets and information, visit PacificSymphony.org or call (714) 755-5799.

About Pacific Symphony
Founded in 1978, Pacific Symphony welcomes Alexander Shelley for his inaugural season as Artistic and Music Director in 2026-27, building on nearly five decades of artistic growth, innovation, and community impact. His inaugural season reflects an ambitious artistic vision that blends core symphonic masterworks, contemporary voices, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to expanding access to orchestral music. Today, Pacific Symphony is recognized as a major cultural force in Southern California and performs as a resident company of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa.

Pacific Symphony features an expansive range of programming through the Classical Series, the beloved Pops Series led by Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, SummerFest at the Great Park Live Amphitheater in Irvine, and engaging Family Musical Mornings concerts for young children and their families. Signature cultural concerts for Lunar New Year and Nowruz are joyful musical celebrations that promote understanding and appreciation of the arts from around the world—a priority for Pacific Symphony, which is dedicated to the power of music to unite and inspire. The Symphony in the Cities program brings free outdoor concerts and interactive musical activities to cities across Orange County, making live symphonic music accessible to all.

Through artistic excellence and a deep commitment to community engagement, Pacific Symphony continues to shape the cultural life of Southern California while expanding the reach and relevance of symphonic music for future generations.

About City of Hope
City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center at its core, City of Hope brings a uniquely integrated model to patients spanning cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and innovation initiatives. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and  AccessHopeTM. 

# # #