John Williams at Symphony Hall, June 7-12, 2013 (Boston MA)

[alicebrallice 134]

I'm thinking Euro Meet...

I'm thinking Alice Brallice...

you seriously think I'd go to that? haha! hahahaha! hahahahahaha!

I seriously would.

[Miguel Andrade 1,527]

So anyway, John might be here next year for Star Wars... and a night at the Barbican...

I'm thinking Euro Meet...

I'm thinking Alice Brallice...

If Williams is ever coming to London again and there's not a major conflict with my own calender, I'm absolutely there.

I would be there, with calendar conflicts or not!

[Incanus 5,858]

Count me in as well!

[crocodile 9,211]

Me too.

Karol

[Ren 77]

Depending on when I will be there. Can't get off work randomly during the school year

[Miguel Andrade 1,527]

Same here, but if this was to be a concert in London, it would be much easier for me.

One of the reasons I'm pointing to Tanglewood 2014 is because by that time we're at school summer vacation. Of course, it helps that Tanglewood is one of those places that I would love to visit sometime...

[JWfangirl1992 18]

Stefan did I see you get yelled at for taking photos? If so its totally worth it those are some great shots!

[Ren 77]

He didn't get yelled at on Friday

[Incanus 5,858]

Well I am just glad there weren't small headlines in Boston Globe:

Rabid Dutchman, an ardent John Williams fan, gets into a fight with the security at Symphony Hall over a camera! He claimed it was all for the benefit of JWFan-kind.

[JoeinAR 1,954]

put your fears to rest. Stefan is protected, he carry's the ponytail of the late great Jerry Goldsmith. Stefan purchased tickets as a courtesy because no one would dare stop him should he choose to reveal the tail.

[Damien F 1,908]

Well, that was a wonderfully enjoyable evening and well worth the trip across the Atlantic. I had not expected to get his autograph but I decided to wait at the stage door before the concert with the other people from JWFan and I was able to get The Phantom Menace signed. I was the last person he signed an autograph for so I feel very lucky. Meaghan got Jaws signed and the front blue and white cover with his signature in black across the front looks awesome so I might try for that next year. A really great way to start the evening, despite the presence of a slightly overzealous security guard who probably thinks he’s Clint Eastwood from In The Line of Fire!

As in New York a few years ago, I was seated at the front row only a few feet from JW. Once again, I thought he was in great shape for his age and was in good humor throughout the evening. It was fantastic hearing Lincoln live and it sounded amazing. His concert arrangement of Marion’s Theme was another beautiful highlight from the first half and I hope someone records that radio broadcast of the concert in a few weeks purely for that piece. There were also a couple of nicely edited montages and I especially liked the “Flight” montage accompanied by Hook which JW said he got a kick out of. It was interesting that the shot of Abrams’ Enterprise at the very end of that clip got a little cheer.

I found his “film scoring techniques” segment fascinating as it gave us a just a small glimpse into the type of discussions he has with Spielberg. The audience seemed to respond well to it also especially when he said “that is our assignment”.

I always find these concerts a little surreal because film music is such a niche and knowing anyone in your offline life who knows anything about film music is such a rarity; so seeing an entire symphony hall filled with people who want to see JW was nice, especially the immediate standing ovation he got the instant the Star Wars main theme finished. Of course, there is a considerable difference between the general public who wants to hear old favorites such as ET, Star Wars, Indy to hardcore fans to scour video game files for unreleased music but it was still nice to see so much admiration for him.

I noticed a few little moments during the concert. Firstly, at one point a women to my right was removed for recording with her phone. Later at the end of the evening, JW pointed to her and made a little camera gesture while smiling. I didn’t notice him seeing her leaving but he was probably looking at the cellos / double bass when it happened and saw it. I’m sure that little moment with him softened the blow for her of being escorted out of the hall! Secondly, at about 4 times during the Star Wars main theme, the first and second violinists laughed. They both laughed at exactly the same times and it looked like they were noticing something on the music sheet. None of the other violinists were laughing so I was wondering what the hell they could be seeing?

This was my first time attending a Pops concert. I was very impressed by Symphony Hall which looks stunning, but I wasn’t too keen on the serving of food during the show. Thankfully the people at my table didn’t eat anything so I wasn’t distracted except for a women two tables over who was opening cookies wrapped in the noisiest known to mankind, but that only lasted about a minute or so. I actually found the sight of the waiters darting between tables a little more annoying.

It was a pleasure meeting everyone, including Jason even if it was just a brief handshake and Meaghan who I had already met in New Year a few years ago. I hope to return to Boston next year and I’ll definitely attend any JWFan dinner.

(I would have posted sooner but I was trying to remove a nasty stubborn virus from my laptop which is considerably more difficult when you’re 3000 miles away from your resources at home).

[Jay 42,491]

Wonderful write-up Damien! So glad you were able to get a signature.

That is so funny that he noticed the girl getting chastised for photographing!

I am collecting my thoughts on the concert and surrounding events and will post soon

[Smeltington 1,755]

Thanks for sharing, dfenton. Sounds like everyone had a great time! (Some of) you guys were very lucky you got to meet him. Sounds like some good selections, too. Hook must have been very cool to hear.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,949]

Stefan did I see you get yelled at for taking photos? If so its totally worth it those are some great shots!

Yeah! That freaked me out. I had seen the lady that was escorted out for filming.

On the other side i saw they were warning people too.

He didn't get yelled at on Friday

Didnt you yell at my at the bar after the concert? That music was loud! LOL

I didnt take nearly as many pics on friday.

[Marian Schedenig 10,165]

One of the reasons I'm pointing to Tanglewood 2014 is because by that time we're at school summer vacation. Of course, it helps that Tanglewood is one of those places that I would love to visit sometime...

That sounds like it might be worth a thought.

Did you give her a Nerys Records CD to sign?

[rpvee 933]

How did they even see her filming? Like was she being obvious about it?

[SF1_freeze 136]

Great pics and write-ups! What would i give for a last JW Europe trip, i would be there.

Sad that there aren't any JWfan gatherings in Europe.

[Marian Schedenig 10,165]

Great pics and write-ups! What would i give for a last JW Europe trip, i would be there.

Sad that there aren't any JWfan gatherings in Europe.

Hollywood in Vienna should be a small one at least this year.

[Thor 9,308]

Great pics and write-ups! What would i give for a last JW Europe trip, i would be there.

Sad that there aren't any JWfan gatherings in Europe.

Hollywood in Vienna should be a small one at least this year.

Indeed. If nothing else, than at least Marian and myself!

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,949]

JWfan regulations state there need to be at least 3 active members present to qualify as s official JWfan meeting.

Atleast one picture of the gathering must be posted, or submitted to a moderator for aproval.

[crocodile 9,211]

Great pics and write-ups! What would i give for a last JW Europe trip, i would be there.

Sad that there aren't any JWfan gatherings in Europe.

Hollywood in Vienna should be a small one at least this year.

Indeed. If nothing else, than at least Marian and myself!

I'm going too! Krakow (Iglesias, Korzniowski, Davis and more to be announced), Vienna (Horner) and then London (Elfman). It's going to be quite a two-week holiday!

Karol

[Foxfan 188]

The woman from WGBH with the remote control to activate the film clips ratted her out to security during intermission. "Someone's recording the entire show in the front row."

How did they even see her filming? Like was she being obvious about it?

[Marian Schedenig 10,165]

JWfan regulations state there need to be at least 3 active members present to qualify as s official JWfan meeting.

Atleast one picture of the gathering must be posted, or submitted to a moderator for aproval.

Thor, Karol, Chris Afonso and me makes four. And there will be pictures.

[rpvee 933]

The woman from WGBH with the remote control to activate the film clips ratted her out to security during intermission. "Someone's recording the entire show in the front row."

How did they even see her filming? Like was she being obvious about it?

That sucks.

-----

Anyone know what time Williams gets to the Hall? When he goes inside through the stage door?

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,949]

I think we went there about an hour before the show started. Had to wait about 20 min i think?

[Trent B 347]

Awesome pics Steef. Those are also awesome pics of Williams from that far away. I'm glad you guys were able to get signatures from him.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,949]

I have more, which ill put up when I am home.

[BLUMENKOHL 1,087]

How is Steef's English?

[Jay 42,491]

Perfect.

[BLUMENKOHL 1,087]

Time to learn perfect Dutch then!

[Koray Savas 2,256]

But does he have an accent?

[SF1_freeze 136]

JWfan regulations state there need to be at least 3 active members present to qualify as s official JWfan meeting.

Atleast one picture of the gathering must be posted, or submitted to a moderator for aproval.

Thor, Karol, Chris Afonso and me makes four. And there will be pictures.

Then count me in too. Bought my ticket months ago.

[WMarkus 11]

Hi folks - I´m Markus (from Austria) I have been on the concert too - what an wonderful experience!!! Got my "Munich" cover signed by the Mr. Williams - wow

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,949]

But does he have an accent?

No!

[Incanus 5,858]

You could pass among them as an American then? Your career as the first Dutch international man of mystery is guaranteed! And you already dress in suave style.

[Jay 42,491]

He had a slight accent

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,949]

I was using my Bostonian accent.

My English is wicked good!

[Quintus 5,721]

He sounds like Toht.

[Incanus 5,858]

Now what shall we talk about?

[Quintus 5,721]

That yelping he does in the snow? That's what Steef sounds like when he's fornicating!

[Jay 42,491]

So I finally have time to tell the tale of the weekend!

Friday night after work Marcy and I raced up to the city. It was POURING RAIN in Boston Friday night, harder than I've seen it in a long while. We found parking near Boylston St and ran to The Pour House under our umbrella. There Stefan, Francis (Foxfan) and Ren (and her fiance Dan) were already eating. I ordered a cider in honor of Stefan and made sure Marcy got a picture of us:

She also posed for a pic with us as well:

I also got a good pic of Stefan and Francis

The 6 of us had a good time chatting about a variety of topics. Stefan had arrived in the city the day, and Francis had arrived from the UK that day, but neither seemed jetlagged to me one little bit!

Soon it came time for Ren, Dan, and Stefan to go to Symphony Hall (Marcy, myself, and Francis did not have tickets to that night's show and just came for dinner). On their way out I got a good picture of Stefan and Ren

Unfortunately I forgot to turn my flash on for that one!

Francis was nice enough to walk them there (in the POURING RAIN - with no umbrella!) and Marcy and I waited at The Pour House, finishing our dinner and enjoying more drinks. Soon Francis returned and regaled us with tales of his European vacation and other concerts he's attended. Soon her left to go to his hostel and Marcy and I returned home to get a good night's sleep for a full day of fun the next day!


Saturday Marcy and I returned to the city in the early afternoon and had drinks with her cousin (that's right, I started drinking early - already had 2 in me before meeting up with any JWFanners!) and then parked at The Prudential Center parking garage so we'd be close-ish to Symphony Hall after the concert (since there were two Red Sox games that day, parking at our usual spot closer to Symphony Hall was charging $30). I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS GARAGE AT ALL! Parking was tight and as you drive around looking for spots you continually end up in dead ends and have to back up and turn around. We FINALLY found a spot and got gussied up and headed towards Symphony Hall!

The restaurant of choice was Uno Chicago Grill, because it is next door to Symphony Hall. The entire place had been remodeled since last year's concerts, and the side room we had reserved for our party is now re-labeled as the "Symphony Room!" Marcy and I got drinks at the bar and soon Stefan joined us for a cider wearing an excellent tshirt made by allicebrallice featuring J-Dub on the front and his username on the back! (Ren had one too on Friday that she showed me - they are awesome!)

Soon we re-located to the Symphony room and one by one others joined us - Francis, Sylvain (obiwan71), Joe (josefsuma), Joe Brausam and 2 of his friends for a nice party of 9. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone remembered to take pics at all inside Uno's! We all enjoyed drinks and dinner and conversation, including some pretty geeky ones that hopefully Marcy didn't mind!

Around 7 we headed over to Symphony Hall to wait for John Williams to show up and hopefully get his autograph. Near the entrance we met Meghan (JWFangirl1992) and Damien (dfenton85). We were all among the first to arrive at the side-entrance, but soon others joined and the security split us into two sections so J-Dub could come down the middle. I got pics of the JWFanners!

Here's Stefan, Meghan, Damien, Josef, and Joe on one side

And Sylvain, me, Francis, and Marcy on the other:

Here's Stefan waiting with his Phantom Menace LP

Soon Williams' car showed up!

He immediately started signing things, the first being the sheet music the women next to me had. She had told me before he arrived that she's been playing JW's music since school

After singing maybe 4-5 things on my side of the line, he went over to the other side, and signed Stefan's LP!

Damien got his CD signed too!!

I love that last pic, of me holding my unfortunately un-signed Star Wars Anthology booklet

So then I realized it was time to finally get a group pic of us all together - but Meghan and Damien had already wandered off!

Then we all headed inside Symphony Hall.

To be continued!!

[Quintus 5,721]

Gah I wish I'd been there!

[Smeltington 1,755]

Great pics, Jason. Looks like a lot of fun!

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,949]

Gah I wish I'd been there!

Why weren't you!

Imagine me, you and Ren together in real life?

Jason NOT Moderating us....

[Quintus 5,721]

Those photos would need age gates.

[rpvee 933]

Can't wait for tonight!!!

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,949]

Those photos would need age gates.

I actually doubt it.

[Quintus 5,721]

You don't say!

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,949]

I just did Lee.

[Trent B 347]

Steef,

Were you able to get your TPM LP signed by Williams?