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The statement of “Luke and Leia” in “The Spark” from TLJ. It’s such a beautiful version that’s slower, deeper, more mature, and a bit more sad, but with some lovely high strings in the back that add an air of hope. Very representative of the characters themselves in that scene. It’s my favorite arrangement of my favorite theme, but it always gets overlooked because of the epic Imperial March-esque build up that happens in the piece shortly after.

No one here can truly know what’s going on beyond their own speculation, and rumors of a couple strokes a couple years ago. The only clear facts are: Good: -He can still compose new works, including an entire Spielberg film score, and reportedly has been conducting at least some of that score as well. -He can still fly across the entire continent for appearances, even to just be somewhere for a day or two. -He still seems very mentally alert, sharp, and aware when interacting with people. -While people note he’s looking older these days - which is undeniably true - we were all also only just getting used to his lack of glasses not long before the strokes, and I genuinely wonder if he’d look more like “himself” to us if he was wearing glasses in any photos of him from the last year or two. The Not So Good: -He’s now largely wheelchair bound, but can still be energetic (including turning to look around, scooting himself back, doing big gestures). I believe we’ve had a couple reports of him briefly standing as well. But alas, yes, he’s very dependent on a wheelchair now. -He appears to wear some kind of bib when eating, and has some kind of medical monitoring equipment in his home. -He hasn’t conducted publicly in over two years, or even spoken publicly outside of short videos and statements. -As mentioned, yes, he generally looks older. Clearly there’s been “deterioration”, for lack of a better and kinder word, but I certainly don’t think he’s on death’s door like some doomsayers here are trying to say. He’s still doing more in life than some people 5-10 years younger than him are able to do.

That's literally the worst date to post an announcement here. 😅

Happy birthday to the Maestro! We’re all very lucky to be able to continue wishing him a happy year, especially a year with a new score ahead! And of course, I’m grateful as ever for my own memories of him over the years, from stage door meetings when I was a teenager, to seeing him take the stage again in Boston just the other week. Plus, all those concerts and experiences are beautiful memories with my parents and boyfriend! Thanks for the good times, Maestro. May there be more ahead!

It’s still called Film Night under the new title. I don’t see why he would. There’s no piece to premiere this year that would motivate him to go to Tanglewood at all. And even then, when there was a premiere last year, he didn’t stick around another few days for Film Night. When he didn’t show up, those of us who had gone definitely felt a bit less magic during the concert, enjoyable as the evening was. It just wasn’t the same without him there. I suppose it’s a good problem to have - being so used to seeing him in person so often that an event without him just doesn’t feel right - but I also don’t know if the trip is worth it anymore for those of us with that privilege of unique perspective.

The BSO just posted a clip of his first-half bow from last night. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DT3mWf_D3FV/?igsh=ZHZ5NWVlcHBpZGVj Did anyone go this afternoon? Was he definitely not there?

Can you post our group selfie?

So is there any chance at all he still shows up, or it seems pretty definite that tonight was it?

Wow, that’s a surprising change (especially since he’s already here, and tomorrow is a matinee). Any idea why the change in plans?

Edited my post to add more details and photos from when he came out again at the end!

The rumors were true!!! Thank you so much for the inside scoop, @BSOinsider. I wasn’t sure I’d ever see the Maestro in person again after his last conducting concert at Carnegie Hall in early 2024, and after missing his surprise appearance at Tanglewood last year. Being able to see him, and post new photos of him, in 2026 is so special and surreal. Even a wave to the audience is precious these days! And the fact he made the cross-country trek in New England’s winter feels at least a bit promising. EDIT 1: Couple first-half points I forgot to mention: -Sabrina was a first-half encore before Williams came out. -Right before he exited, Williams did his good ol’ “sleepy hands” pose! Classic. EDIT 2: After an Imperial March encore, Williams came out again at the very end! He seemed very lively, even mimicking some grand cello movements. Some fellow JWFan’ers and I were wondering if he’d be capable of at least conducting calmer pieces like Schindler’s List. Hopefully he holds a baton again one day. All in all, a beautiful evening of music, but the real treat was finally seeing the Maestro in person again.

Thank you! Does that mean he’s already in Boston? Or he’s expected to arrive tomorrow? I feel like things will look more certain when he’s definitely already in the city.

Please do let us know if there’s any update, since we’re only about 48 hours away from the first performance! Especially considering the possible severe weather on Sunday.

Appreciate the update! Please keep us posted as you can. Really hoping he’s able to make it, and that I can in turn!

Any updates on this, as the performances are getting closer?