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The Music of John Williams

John Williams is perhaps the United States’ greatest living composer and very likely the most well known film composer of all time.

John Williams’ incredible filmography lists some of the most famous films of all time including Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Superman, all 8 Harry Potter movies and all 7 Star Wars movies (so far!). Hang on, there’s more; four Indiana Jones movies, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, NBC’s Sunday Night Football, the themes to 4 different Olympic Games and the original theme to Gilligans Island. Somehow, this is still just a small part of the incredible body of work that John Williams has produced for which he has received 5 Academy Awards, 7 BAFTAS and 22 Grammy Awards. Basically, if you have ever seen a movie, it’s very likely John Williams wrote the music to it and if he didn’t, someone who loves John Williams did.

While the PSO had hoped to do a Youth Concert dedicated to John Williams entirely, we sadly are unable to. However, you can listen to the music that would have been on that performance below as well as dive in to the teachers materials for that.

Click here to download the Teachers Guide

Thank you to our Education Everywhere Sponsor: Machias Savings Bank

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2425 chamber series

Announcing the all new Chamber Series

In honor of its 100th anniversary season, the Portland Symphony Orchestra steps beyond Merrill Auditorium and brings the music to you.

This all-new Chamber Music series celebrates the intimate and artistically vibrant nature of small musician led groups as they perform on stages throughout the state of Maine.

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Never been to a symphony before? Don’t worry, we’re here to help

Find the answers to all the questions about the orchestra you may be too afraid to ask!

Read our First Timer’s Guide

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youth

Bring your class to a youth concert

Coming in 2025… The Portland Symphony Orchestra partners with Carnegie Hall to present Link Up: The Orchestra Sings! Link Up is a fully participatory, school-day concert program. Students will fill Merrill Auditorium to sing, play recorders, move, and listen along with the symphony from their seats. This program is designed for students in grades 3-5 but all are welcome and encouraged to participate!

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your gift matters

Ticket sales cover only a portion of what it takes to produce the PSO’s artistic and education programs. Your generous support is vital in helping us deliver music programs that serve children and adult listeners.

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ECKART PREU

Meet the PSO’s Music Director

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