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I think this is the biggest gathering of JWFan ever!

Unlike many of you on this forum, it will be my first time listening to the music of John Williams performed live in concert. As I begin my 6 hour journey to London, I feel slightly melancholic due to the lack of the Maestro, but find comfort in the idea that I will hear his own handiwork, his own spirit and musical language in the most crystal and uplifting way; the way music was meant to be listened to. The added bonus that is the London Symphony Orchestra is a fine one, having never seen the prestigious orchestra perform before. What better introduction to them than 2 hours of wonderful, emotional music. As well as this, any excuse to visit the Royal Albert Hall is a good enough one for me, so what was going to be a historic concert in such a historic venue makes up for the fact that this is now just another concert in the historic venue. But I still dream. Time alone on public transport allows one to drift their mind to beautiful places. The dream of a surprise appearance from Williams to conduct The Imperial March seems further away than it ever did. In my head I imagine scenario after scenario: glancing up to see Williams in one of the boxes, his big trademark glasses and turtleneck, bopping his head to the adventurous rhythms of Adventures on Earth, a small, despondent smile etched across his face; Williams making a sudden appearance at the end of the concert to slowly but triumphantly wave to his fans, basking in the appreciation for his musical soul; or even Williams conducting one piece, just one: “The Imperial March”, a short but powerful and resonant piece with easy, steady 4/4 time. But as much as I dream (like I am sure many others are doing who are tenaciously travelling today with their heads held high), I must come back down to reality at some point, understanding and coming to terms with the fact that I will never see my musical hero in the flesh. But how I long to applaud him while we can still lock eyes, to show him how much emotional impact he has had on my life, and on everybody else’s there tonight. Not only because his music is so rich and delicate, but because of the humble man that he is, and my desire, among many, to show how he needn’t be so humble, and show him how far around the world the pencil etching the score in his home in Los Angeles can be heard. I still will look forward to this evening very much, a night of warmth, character and delicious music. Among others, I wish Mr Williams a speedy recovery, and as he recovers I will be reminiscing on the time I was telling my friends I was going to see John Williams - composer - conductor - hero. I encourage many others to share their travelling thoughts today, as I will listen closely to the forum to maximise my enjoyment of the concert. See you guys there.

According to the program for tonight's concert at the Royal Albert Hall: (photo by Chewy)

Ps. Are we sure John Williams wasn't secretly playing the timpani tonight...?

Yoda reminds me of Williams. His presence and power of wonder. His soft spoken wisdom. His magic.

"Mr Williams, Mr Williams, the doctor told you not to air conduct the concert... please!"

Confirmed that JW is listening in hospital, followed by an enormous round of applause makes me want to bloody cry!

That was amazing. I managed to get some in video too on the sly 😂

The expression and dynamics tonight were simply incredible. I got emotional at almost everything! Must be one of the finest orchestras in the world. I have many videos to edit over the next few days 😁 VID-20181026-WA0014.mp4

In the waiting of the processed recordings, please find some Homework I've made using the new LSO identity: Custom Front cover: Custom Back cover: We have almost 3 recordings from my side (AAC, MP3, Wave), and some 2 from other friend!

Fantastic concert. Probably the best renditions of the concert arrangements that I have ever heard. The players really gave everything, and I'm sure JW enjoyed it greatly.

That was Fawkin awesome.

Fuck someone is singing in the mike... that's annoying. Mr Brossé... conduct.. stop humming! Glenn Gould get out of this body!

The sound of an Orchestra tuning up is my favourite sound in the entire world.

Found in the programme of the RAH concert. Look at the last sentence. HP confirmed.

I am still a bit sad about not seeing Williams in the flesh. But the concert of Brian Tyler was really good and I met him in person after the show.

This. Excellently put. Just imagine the whinging if Williams had rehashed the same musical tone for a third time, rather than reinvent the wheel? Azkaban brilliantly maintains that otherworldly, magical tone of the first two scores, doubles down on the hints of medieval flavours (in line with Cuaron's brilliant production design), and caps it all off with flare, thorough originality and marvelous variety. That the score effortlessly balances its diverse array of bizarre orchestrations with such ease is testament to Williams' genius. It makes his ability to seamlessly segue between themes and motifs in the Star Wars sequels, minor and major alike, look easy by comparison.

Katy Woolley's horn solo at the beginning of Jurassic Park was magnificent! Here are some of my photos from this wonderful concert:

That was tons of fun, y'all! Brings me back to the live chat days!

Classic FM recording will be available for 7 days! Kudos to all JWFans who persevered through and made it to an absolutely hair-raising concert!

Touching to see Elgar and Williams be mentioned that way. Bet Williams was dismissively waving his hand at the comparison as he heard it from his bed!

Looks like those building improvements are needed. Didn't realise it was sinking

HP confirmed!!!!

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I was very lucky to have seen him twice in Boston with the BSO and Keith Lockhart 2016/17. I attended with my father who took me to all the Spielberg movies in the 70s, then took my son whom I had already brainwashed him with the Superman score! Feel genuinely bad for everyone waiting for the London and Vienna shows It will still sound amazing without him at the podium! Get well Johnny!

Here it is!

I know a lot of us here are fanatical about John Williams, and at times that may seem like a niche interest, so it is always lovely to see the outpouring of admiration for him from the general public. It is a wonderful reminder of just how important his music is, and of how many people his music has touched. There are literally generations of people making their way home from the concert hall still enjoying the memory of his music.

Great hearing the concert with you guys!

What a beautiful arrangement.

I'm screaming, I'm banging in excitement. My neighbours think I'm watching porn.

The humming? Yes, yes, it's in the "Signature Edition"!!!

I bet Johnny has Classic FM blasting loud in the hospital, and the other people on the ward are telling him to turn that crap down.

I should just stare at your signature for the next 2 hours.

The celeste player is practising Hedwig’s Theme and I don’t blame him

I wish all JWFanners in London a memorable concert and fantastic dinner! I can’t be there, but first round’s on me!* Enjoy and order the good stuff!

This never gets old... I first listened to this when I was twelve, about 25 years ago! And it still is mesmerising and mind-blowing.

For me THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN is like THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK of the POTTER TRILOGY. Its fantastic and brilliant.

He was obviously struck down by the horror of having JWFan gather so close around him.

A short clip from our viewpoint... D20287FD-7A85-4414-98FC-07431194A724.MOV

This will give Mr. Williams all the energy he needs to feel better!

Wonderful concert, and what an honor and celebration for him.

Yes. We're literally riding off into the sunset. You don't want to ruin that with more SW!

Adore this arrangement. Simply adore it.

The trumpets under the horns at the ending, fantastic!

Hope Dracula newcomers can see some of the excitement a lot of us have!

John Williams is listening from his hospital bed right now, giving the solfege signals to the 5 note theme....

Someone's coughing and groaning!

I would call it a full house!