John Williams in Tokyo (Live 2-LP Vinyl)

Composer: John Williams
Artists: Saito Kinen Orchestra
Conductors: John Williams, Stéphane Denève
Number of Discs: 2
Label: Deutsche Grammophon
Release Date: May 3, 2024

For more than half a century, John Williams has shaped the history and sound of film music, his instantly memorable themes and consummate orchestrations gracing some of the finest movies of modern times. 

Thirty years after his last visit to Japan, John Williams returned to mark his debut with the world-famous Saito Kinen Orchestra, with selections from his beloved film scores, and reuniting with his longtime friend, world-renowned conductor Seiji Ozawa. 

The long-awaited collaboration consisted of an all-Williams program, including “Superman March,” “Theme from Schindler’s List” and “The Imperial March” from Star Wars. John Williams shared the podium with acclaimed conductor and friend, Stéphane Denève – Music Director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Artistic Director of the New World Symphony, and Principal Guest Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic.

Captured live at the concert in Tokyo, the album includes 11 pieces conducted by Williams and a bonus track, “Tributes! (for Seiji),” conducted by Denève. The work was composed by Williams in 1999 to honor Ozawa’s 25th anniversary as Music Director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and is being released for the first time worldwide.

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