Can you believe  The Phantom Menace hit theaters 10 years ago?  That is just absurd. I vividly remember all of the frenzy behind it.  Everyone was ditching school to go see it and for months everything on TV was all about Star Wars.  My poor parents had to endlessly listen to “Duel of the Fates” and constantly remind me to turn down the volume.  I loved that soundtrack (of course the first Star Wars film is the best). So, it’s no surprise I was overly thrilled when I heard about this concert.

I had no idea Star Wars: In Concert was touring in America. And it kicks off in Orange County, California.  Even better!

The production, then called Star Wars: A Musical Journey, premiered at the London O2 Arena with over 17,000 fans in attendance.  The concert featured the 86-piece Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and choir and was led by Belgium conductor, Dirk Brosse, known for his contributions to the World Soundtrack Awards held at the Flanders International Film Festival in Ghent, Belgium.  John Williams personally rearranged his music from all six films for this performance.  And a giant 100-ft LED screen, built for the concert, will show a LucasFilm edit of the six films comprised into a two hour narrative.  In other words this production was made for me.  I can’t stand most of the films, but I love the music.  Just give me a concert John Williams’ music and I’m set.

Now if I can make the trip out to the Lord of the Rings concert…

Well, not really.  I just headed out to Dark Delicacies in Burbank, CA for a composer signing event by La-La Land Records.  Yup, I embraced my geeky-ness and joined a few other L.A. nerds to meet some composers.  But hey, it was a lot of fun.  I’m so glad I went.
As you can probably tell, I’m a huge fan of Giacchino’s scores, so it’s no surprise I acted like a little teen at a Jonas Brothers concert when I approached him.  Well, I wasn’t that extreme.  That would have been embarrassing.  Anyway, our conversation was really short, but I’m glad I met one of the greatest film composers around today.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to ask if he knew anything about the last season of LOST or for any hints on his next project.  Next time.