John Williams’ relationship with the Hollywood Bowl began in the late 1940s, as a teenager attending concerts. A decade later, he appeared on its stage as a pianist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In 1977, Zubin Mehta, realizing the power of Williams’ compositions, conducted his music from Star Wars at the Bowl—marking the first time a movie score was given the same treatment as concert music. The following year, Williams made his conducting debut at the Bowl, and for five decades since, Hollywood’s greatest composer and its most famous venue have been inseparable.
On November 9, the Hollywood Bowl stage was dedicated to Williams in honor of his considerable contributions to the venue, the LA Phil, and orchestral music. Hosted by LA Phil President & CEO Kim Noltemy and Board Chair Jason Subotky, the private dedication ceremony marked the unveiling of the new stage signage in front of a crowd that included the honoree and his collaborators Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Richard Dreyfuss, Thomas Newman, and David Newman.
“The Hollywood Bowl has become synonymous with John Williams’ music,” said Noltemy, noting that both “invite us to dream a little bigger, to feel a little more deeply, and to connect with something greater than ourselves.”
LA Phil Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, who unveiled the John Williams Stage insignia, recalled marveling over Williams’ scores as a young musician in Venezuela. Now as a friend and collaborator, he said, “That immense generosity that you have is in every note that you write.”
Set against the Hollywood Bowl’s iconic shell, the ceremony featured performances of two of Williams’ works: Music for Brass by the LA Phil Brass Ensemble led by conductor and 2025/26 Dudamel Fellow Miguel Sepúlveda and the Theme from Sabrina by violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and LA Phil pianist Joanne Pearce Martin. Subotky and Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation Norma Edith García-Gonzalez also provided remarks.
Following the unveiling, Williams gave a heartfelt address to the attendees: “This is an honor that is unprecedented and unequaled in generosity shown by the Los Angeles Philharmonic family—my family—in making this dedication. I want to thank all of the donors in this effort, who proudly support and salute the work done by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, one of the great orchestras of the world. The uniqueness of this honor is certainly unheard of and I thank all of you.” He added, “Fifty years at the Hollywood Bowl is a good start.”
Help us continue our celebration of John Williams’ musical legacy by making a gift to the John Williams Stage. Your contribution to the John Williams Stage Fund supports the Hollywood Bowl’s artistic programming, educational initiatives, and ongoing preservation, ensuring that the stage remains a beacon for music lovers everywhere.