Allentown Symphony Orchestra performs ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ live with film at PPL Center on Aug. 15
From a press release:
The Allentown Symphony Association will present “Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert,” featuring a screening of the complete film with Oscar-winning composer John Williams’ musical score performed live on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the PPL Center in Allentown. The Allentown Symphony Orchestra will perform, led by guest conductor Lawrence Loh, the former music director of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic.
ASA Executive Director Al Jacobsen announced the event at a press conference today.
“We are delighted that the ASO is returning to the PPL Center performing the legendary score to ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ in concert, live with the film. This will be a great opportunity for ‘Star Wars’ fans of all ages to relive the film and experience it for the first time with a live orchestra,” Jacobsen said.
“This is a tremendous day for the Lehigh Valley arts community, as we welcome the Allentown Symphony’s first-ever ‘movies in concert’ production of ‘Star Wars: A New Hope,’ which will be held at PPL Center,” added Senator Pat Browne, who provides major support for the ASA, along with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
“Throughout the nation, ‘movies in concert’ have been a driving force in welcoming new, and reintroducing returning audiences, to the magic of the symphony experience. I am thrilled that the Allentown Symphony will have the opportunity to showcase their world-class talents by playing the score from one of the most iconic movies of all time.”
Tickets for “Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert,” which start at $19.50, go on sale next Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. at pplcenter.com, the QNB Box Office at the PPL Center (701 Hamilton St., Allentown), and by phone at 610-347-TIXX (8499).
On Sunday, Jan. 12, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms will also host a “Star Wars”-themed hockey game at the PPL Center featuring special character appearances as they face off against the Dark Side (Cleveland Monsters). All fans in attendance will also receive exclusive pre-sale ticket access for “Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert.”
Also commenting at the press conference was Rob Brooks, owner of BDH Development and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Allentown Symphony Association to bring this classic ‘Star Wars’ film to life at PPL Center through this unique live experience, never before seen in the Lehigh Valley,” Brooks said.
“This Sunday, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms will host our fifth annual ‘Star Wars’-themed hockey game at PPL Center. It has become a fan favorite game each year, and we are very excited to share this new event announcement with our fans.”
Since the release of the first “Star Wars” movie over 42 years ago, the “Star Wars” saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects, and iconic musical scores composed by Williams. In “A New Hope,” young farm boy Luke Skywalker is thrust into a galaxy of adventure when he intercepts a distress call from the captive Princess Leia. The event launches him on a daring mission to rescue her from the clutches of Darth Vader and the evil Empire with the help of unlikely hero Han Solo and his co-pilot, Chewbacca.
Fans will be able to experience the scope and grandeur of this beloved film in a live symphonic concert when “Star Wars: A New Hope” debuts at the PPL Center with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra.
