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Just realized I forgot to post this selfie from before the concert! Was so fun sharing the experience with fellow JW Fan’ers!

Nope, only last year because of his birthday.

“BUT THEY WERE ALL DEAD! HE REALLY SAID IT!”

Not to add to speculation, but… 👀 https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvf_U3rpGrL/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== The company he’s part of works in documentaries. For those without Instagram:

I was wondering who he did that with! Love that!

Haven’t heard that before, but could be. The video description of the alt I linked says that it’s an early take with orchestra and choir combined before they were recorded separately, not sure if that’s true. Regardless, the alternate/live ending is way more epic in my opinion!

I'm definitely curious too! Do we know if he’s ever actually conducted DOTF with a choir before ever? The only other live one at a concert of his I’ve ever heard of is an old 1999-one that’s orchestra only, and this year’s Hollywood Bowl conducted by Newman (I just watched a video of that one again and can confirm the variation was there, too).

hahaha, yeahhhh. Still can't believe it happened again! Re: Duel of the Fates, last night it was done the same way as this alternate take from 3:57-3:59 (which I’ve always thought was a badass sounding difference). Can't speak to if it's been performed that way before outside of the TPM sessions, but it sure was epic and unexpected to hear that variation live on top of seeing the piece conducted by him in the first place:

When/where did that happen? Jay and I waited for that with a big crowd on the right side of the shed by a sorta stage door, but then we were all told Williams went out another way.

I can now say I’ve reminded John Williams which Star Wars film his music is from twice. Once at Carnegie Hall last year, and again tonight! 😂 Absolutely stunning night. Maybe my favorite concert of his I’ve been to. The program was perfect. The choir was epic and Duel of the Fates gave me chills as a dream I’d had since childhood came true. I was directly in front of Williams and had more interactions with him than I ever have before (including reminding him which Star Wars “The Asteroid Field” is from). I’m glowing! EDIT: Also, Duel of the Fates’ ending used the alternate version where the choir went up an octave mid-note. Someone here can probably explain it much better than me. Anakin’s Theme got reworked a bit, too! My pics:

At least Williams himself isn’t until the second half!

I can’t believe he’s doing Duel of the Fates himself. This is my 26th time seeing him conduct live, and first time seeing that piece. Childhood dream come true.

Official post-concert review/synopsis is up! I’m even quoted and JWFan is indirectly mentioned (I’d said the name of our site during the interview, but alas we are just called a fan group lol): https://www.marineband.marines.mil/News/Article/3483036/marine-band-at-225-masterpieces-and-musicmaking-with-john-williams/

Duel of the Fates??? That’s literally been my dream setlist inclusion since I saw Williams live for the first time in 2008 as a teenager. Wow. Just a bummer it’s so early in the show, so I assume he won’t be conducting that one. Still, hearing it at all will be a dream come true!!!

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I echo what Jay said, you picked a good one (especially if you’re in the shed). The concert should be at least an hour and a half, including intermission, and there will definitely be encores (one will most likely be The Imperial March). One thing worth noting about Tanglewood are the grounds. Get there early to walk around and take it all in - you’re going to be surrounded by incredible views of nature, mountains, and greenery in every direction. It’s quite beautiful.

And it used to be simple to get both. He’d be signing your program/CD/vinyl/whatever, and while doing that, you’d ask him if you could have a picture with him, and he’d always reply with a calm “of course”. I even have a printed and signed copy of my profile picture. I miss those days.

At Tanglewood, it’s pretty much impossible.

That pic is from 2011. Williams used to do a few concerts at Boston’s Symphony Hall every spring, and would meet fans waiting outside the stage door afterward. He’d sign everything and take pics with anyone, really friendly and gentle. Then eBay autograph resellers got wind of that and would show up before the concert was even over, take up all the space around the door, and hound Williams with stacks of vinyls to get signed. Eventually, Williams got tired of it, and the last time he met fans so openly was 2016, as far as I know. Since then, he exits through back doors right into cars. Definitely a bummer.

He’s actually very interactive with audience members if you’re close enough!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/145148301914 It sold for $140. Didn’t show up on my saved search, this thread was the first I heard that one popped up. Bummer!

Yeah, they’ll tell you to put your phone away if it’s during a piece. I’ve mostly seen them go after people taking videos, but that’s because their phone is up and out for longer. Sneaking a couple pics should be possible, but they don’t seem to care if it’s during applause.

We’ll make a big sign and hold it up right in front of him. 🤣

Seat 5! Haha. Section 1, Row A. Will be great to have a fellow JWFan as a neighbor.

I’ll be darned - I randomly checked the seat map while having breakfast and a single front row, dead center seat popped up and I was able to switch to it. Literally the front and most center seat possible. I can’t believe it!!! The front two seats of the front side section were also available but are now gone, but great shed seats in general have been popping up for the past couple days.