An All-John Williams Program with Emanuel Ax and Gil Shaham | E Pluribus Unum: From Many, One | January 22-25, 2026, Boston Symphony Hall | Piano Concerto to be recorded

BB-8 · January 5

Fingers crossed!

Hope Ax is vaxed.

Marian Schedenig · January 5

1 hour ago, BB-8 said:

Hope Ax is vaxed.

Vax the Ax, don't axe the vax!

Tom · January 5

2 hours ago, BB-8 said:

Fingers crossed!

Hope Ax is vaxed.

That comment just flu over my head.

BB-8 · January 5

On 03/01/2026 at 2:07 AM, Mr. Hooper said:

We could get a poutine to go!

And some maduros...

How to Make Plantain Maduros, the Essential Puerto Rican Side – Familia Kitchen

rpvee · January 11

On 31/12/2025 at 2:41 PM, BSOinsider said:

Maestro Williams is currently scheduled to attend with accommodations and flights booked, but personally I'm not holding my breath. Until he is actually present in-person in Symphony Hall I am assuming that some manner of health issue will prevent him from attending, despite his current intentions.

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

Foxfan · January 11

I'm eagerly awaiting news on this front as well. Already arranged to finish work early on that Thursday in case I decide to drive to Boston for the Friday matinee.

Mr. Hooper · January 12

I imagine that John will keep us in suspense until the last minute, since he's not under any obligation to attend here.

It'll depend on how he's feeling on the day of departure. And, he might be needed to work on 'Disclosure Day.'

Marian Schedenig · January 12

11 minutes ago, Mr. Hooper said:

It'll depend on how he's feeling on the day of departure. And, he might be needed to work on 'Disclosure Day.'

You're saying the departure day depends on Disclosure Day?

Mr. Hooper · January 12

1 hour ago, Marian Schedenig said:

You're saying the departure day depends on Disclosure Day?

I'm afraid I am. :lol:

Tom · January 12

Mr. Williams, we can use one more session day to record this beautiful end credits suite, which might be the most flowing, satisfying piece that you have ever composed, or we could just haphazardly and awkwardly splice together some cues for a 10 minute piece.

Oh dear, well, you see I have to get to Boston to see my boy Hoop. Let's just scrap the extra day and call it good.

Foxfan · January 12

3 hours ago, Mr. Hooper said:

I imagine that John will keep us in suspense until the last minute, since he's not under any obligation to attend here.

It'll depend on how he's feeling on the day of departure. And, he might be needed to work on 'Disclosure Day.'

I would assume if he's coming, he would be there for the rehearsals to give his feedback, and usually there are photos that get shared to give us a heads-up that he's in town, like at Tanglewood last summer.

Weather might play a big role too.

I was under the impression that Disclosure Day was already finished, no? Unlike the unusual shooting schedule with the Star Wars sequels, scoring sessions usually just last a week or two, and we already heard the story a few weeks ago about that taboo reveal of the music "syncing up with the flash in the animal's eyes". :tmi:

Tom · January 12

At least one more session. Probably more, given Mancina's semi-whiny comments in the DD thread.

Mr. Hooper · January 12

1 hour ago, Foxfan said:

I was under the impression that Disclosure Day was already finished, no?

Maybe it is?

As @Tom said, at least one more session sometime this month. When this month is anyone's guess.

But, yeah, if arrangements have already been made for Williams to travel to Boston, it probably won't be a work commitment that'll keep him away...

I was just thinking out loud and throwing out reasons so we don't get our hopes up.

2 hours ago, Tom said:

Mr. Williams, we can use one more session day to record this beautiful end credits suite, which might be the most flowing, satisfying piece that you have ever composed, or we could just haphazardly and awkwardly splice together some cues for a 10 minute piece.

Oh dear, well, you see I have to get to Boston to see my boy Hoop. Let's just scrap the extra day and call it good.

Although my PMs have stopped, I may ask you to loan me money in Boston. Be warned. :lol:

BB-8 · January 12

3 hours ago, Mr. Hooper said:

I'm afraid I am.

Perhaps he wants to "depart" in Boston.

Rachael Foley · January 12

1 hour ago, Tom said:

At least one more session. Probably more, given Mancina's semi-whiny comments in the DD thread.

Where?

Mr. Hooper · January 12

9 minutes ago, BB-8 said:

Perhaps he wants to "depart" in Boston

(Set in Boston, if you didn't know.)

pete · January 12

2 hours ago, The Score Cleaner said:

Where?

Can't find it just now, but he released a video on his YouTube channel last week in which he expressed some frustration - which seemed reasonable to me - because planned and booked recording dates for Moana got postponed at the last minute until February to accomodate Williams' recording sessions.

Found it! Interesting wording as he said those planned sessions "were hard to set up" because he and John use a lot of the same musicians. So that sounds (maybe)like they were booked with awareness of Williams' sessions and musician requirements. And then something unexpected happened to mess up that schedule?

Jurassic Shark · January 12

2 hours ago, Mr. Hooper said:

(Set in Boston, if you didn't know.)

A good film weakened by Wahlberg's overacting but improved by Nicholson's overacting.

Maurizio · January 12

5 hours ago, Foxfan said:

I was under the impression that Disclosure Day was already finished, no? Unlike the unusual shooting schedule with the Star Wars sequels, scoring sessions usually just last a week or two, and we already heard the story a few weeks ago about that taboo reveal of the music "syncing up with the flash in the animal's eyes".

The scoring for DD has been planned differently than usual to give JW a more relaxed and flexible schedule. Basically Spielberg pushed the post-production deadline of three full months to allow JW all the time he needs to write and record the score, which is something unprecedented I think. Sessions has been scheduled in a staggered way to give him more time to rest and keep writing in between. For all I know, there are sessions going on in January too, but I don't know much more than that.

JohnnyD · January 12

4 hours ago, Maurizio said:

The scoring for DD has been planned differently than usual to give JW a more relaxed and flexible schedule. Basically Spielberg pushed the post-production deadline of three full months to allow JW all the time he needs to write and record the score, which is something unprecedented I think. Sessions has been scheduled in a staggered way to give him more time to rest and keep writing in between. For all I know, there are sessions going on in January too, but I don't know much more than that.

Excellent. That's great.

Pawel P. · January 12

I wonder... Since the Piano Concerto will be recorded at these concerts - presumably for CD release - what other piano pieces will be included on the disc?

The ideal candidate would be the Prelude and Scherzo for Piano and Orchestra. But... I don't think the Gloria Cheng performance from a few years ago has a chance of being included here, since it features a completely different orchestra, conductor, and, of course, pianist. Although, that would be great.

I also think there's a chance they will release it in a set with a Blu-ray disc featuring the premiere performance at Tanglewood last year.

BB-8 · January 12

Perhaps it's going into the Sony Anthology Vol. 3? ;-)

Pawel P. · January 12

13 minutes ago, BB-8 said:

Perhaps it's going into the Sony Anthology Vol. 3? ;-)

Such a piece won't premiere in an anthology, although it could - and should - be included later. This is too important work. It deserves its own publishing identity, media exposure, separate reviews, and many live preformances. It's also important in terms of award nominations, including Grammy. Just as was the case with Violin Concerto No. 2.

Bespin Copilot · January 12

Pardon my english, but I find the program of that concert (on paper at least) very weird!

Tom · January 12

20 minutes ago, Bespin Copilot said:

Pardon my english, but I find the program of that concert (on paper at least) very weird!

Think of it as a counter to all the people who complain about Williams's concerts as having all the same standard pieces.

Jesse · January 12

2 hours ago, Bespin Copilot said:

Pardon my english, but I find the program of that concert (on paper at least) very weird!

How so?

Bespin Copilot · January 12

3 minutes ago, Jesse said:

How so?

Well, there’s the piece from Catch Me If You Can that comes out of nowhere, and the Close Encounters suite, which we’ve gotten more used to hearing lately as a concert opener rather than a closer.

Mr. Hooper · January 12

15 minutes ago, Bespin Copilot said:

Well, there’s the piece from Catch Me If You Can that comes out of nowhere, and the Close Encounters suite, which we’ve gotten more used to hearing lately as a concert opener rather than a closer.

Williams wants it to open upbeat and close on a high note.

I'm particularly looking forward to CE3K since I've never heard it performed live.

We expect encores at a JW concert, but I wonder if we'll get any this time.

BSOinsider · January 14

On 11/01/2026 at 6:11 PM, rpvee said:

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

No significant updates. We are still planning on Williams to attend, but likely his health will prevent his full attendance at every rehearsal and concert which will of course be determined as needed on the day. Pretty much every detail of the preparations is TBD pending information about his health. Again, I'll say that until he is actually here in Symphony Hall I am expecting that some manner of health issue will prevent him from attending despite his intentions.

rpvee · January 14

2 hours ago, BSOinsider said:

No significant updates. We are still planning on Williams to attend, but likely his health will prevent his full attendance at every rehearsal and concert which will of course be determined as needed on the day. Pretty much every detail of the preparations is TBD pending information about his health. Again, I'll say that until he is actually here in Symphony Hall I am expecting that some manner of health issue will prevent him from attending despite his intentions.

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

BB-8 · January 15

BPR Full Show Jan. 13, 2026: Hygge Season | GBH

@51:20

Leipzig Bach GIF

BB-8 · January 16

"Hygge Season"...

Star Wars Irony GIF

Foxfan · January 20

Any news if the Maestro has made it to Boston?

I know his appearance cannot be guaranteed, but I'd love to know if he has at least made it across the continent, or if he stayed back in California so I don't get my hopes up (or immensely regret not coming if he IS in town and I miss the surprise).

If I was local I'd go for sure, but this is a 7.5-hour drive away.

Tom · January 20

1 hour ago, Foxfan said:

Any news if the Maestro has made it to Boston?

I know his appearance cannot be guaranteed, but I'd love to know if he has at least made it across the Atlantic, or if he stayed back in California so I don't get my hopes up (or immensely regret not coming if he IS in town and I miss the surprise).

If I was local I'd go for sure, but this is a 7.5-hour drive away.

If you got some Depends, you could get that number under 7.

Mr. Hooper · January 20

24 minutes ago, Tom said:

If you got some Depends, you could get that number under 7.

Depends Day.

All will be absorbed.

Foxfan · January 20

31 minutes ago, Tom said:

If you got some Depends, you could get that number under 7.

Hahahaa I've done over 9 hours Ottawa to DC without stopping before.

Mein diesel Auto lets me do that.

Tom · January 20

13 minutes ago, Mr. Hooper said:

Depends Day.

All will be absorbed.

I would count on the score leaking.

Matt S. · January 20

They’re forecasting bitter cold temperatures this weekend and a possible major snowstorm on Sunday, so if he hasn’t travelled to Boston yet I wouldn’t bet on him coming.

Marian Schedenig · January 20

2 hours ago, Foxfan said:

I'd love to know if he has at least made it across the Atlantic

*Across* the Atlantic? :huh:

Foxfan · January 20

15 minutes ago, Marian Schedenig said:

*Across* the Atlantic?

Ooops haha I meant across the continent. Literally from the Pacific Coast where LAX is to the Atlantic coast where BOS is.

Marian Schedenig · January 20

2 minutes ago, Foxfan said:

Ooops haha I meant across the continent.

I mean, I'd fully understand if he told the captain not to descend until they'd reached the other side of the Atlantic. I'm sure we'd be happy to take him.

Foxfan · January 20

7 minutes ago, Matt S. said:

They’re forecasting bitter cold temperatures this weekend and a possible major snowstorm on Sunday, so if he hasn’t travelled to Boston yet I wouldn’t bet on him coming.

Yep that's why I was wondering if he was already there, because rehearsals would start tomorrow if they haven't already started.

I'm not too keen coming with this cold weather either, but IF he's there and I skip it, I will sorely regret it.

Haven't seen him since Dec 2023 in Pittsburgh!

2 minutes ago, Marian Schedenig said:

I mean, I'd fully understand if he told the captain not to descend until they'd reached the other side of the Atlantic. I'm sure we'd be happy to take him.

True Berlin will be playing the Piano Concerto too, and he may need to give pointers to play it right!

Mr. Hooper · January 20

14 minutes ago, Matt S. said:

They’re forecasting bitter cold temperatures this weekend and a possible major snowstorm on Sunday, so if he hasn’t travelled to Boston yet I wouldn’t bet on him coming.

I've been watching a few weather sites, and yes I'm seeing bitter cold, but not much evidence of a snowstorm brewing.

But things can change in a flash, I know.

7 minutes ago, Foxfan said:

I'm not too keen coming with this cold weather either

We're hearty Canadians! The cold doesn't scare us!

Foxfan · January 20

Yeah Thursday for the drive down and Friday in Boston doesn't seem too bad. Saturday would be brutally cold for when I'd be driving back though, like -18 C in the Green Mountains, so I'd have the "chaufferette de char au max".

So back to the waiting game now...

If only the Friday performance was in the evening - I could have come Friday based on sightings/reviews from the Thursday performance.

But if I need to wait until Thursday night to decide, there's no way I can make it down by noon for the Friday matinée.

Unless I make arrangements to go sleep in Sherbrooke, then it's just 4 hours straight down. :huh:

Hoping BSO Insider will have some news for us shortly.

rpvee · January 20

On 14/1/2026 at 3:14 PM, BSOinsider said:

No significant updates. We are still planning on Williams to attend, but likely his health will prevent his full attendance at every rehearsal and concert which will of course be determined as needed on the day. Pretty much every detail of the preparations is TBD pending information about his health. Again, I'll say that until he is actually here in Symphony Hall I am expecting that some manner of health issue will prevent him from attending despite his intentions.

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.

BSOinsider · January 21

The last plan I heard was for Mr. Williams to attend rehearsal tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon, as well as the performances Thursday and Friday. If I see him in Symphony Hall, or hear about a cancellation I will post here.

Foxfan · January 21

Thank you!! I just took a leap of faith and bought my ticket for Friday!

Will wait to see rehearsal news/photos tomorrow to finalize a hotel booking, but this latest news appears encouraging.

rpvee · January 21

47 minutes ago, BSOinsider said:

The last plan I heard was for Mr. Williams to attend rehearsal tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon, as well as the performances Thursday and Friday. If I see him in Symphony Hall, or hear about a cancellation I will post here.

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.

Mr. Hooper · January 21

59 minutes ago, rpvee said:

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.

If he's expected to attend tomorrow's rehearsal, I'd guess he's already in town, since travelling on the same day might be exhausting for him.

1 hour ago, Foxfan said:

Thank you!! I just took a leap of faith and bought my ticket for Friday!

Foxfan · January 21

11 minutes ago, Mr. Hooper said:

Yep, of course the reference was intended!

40 minutes ago, Mr. Hooper said:

If he's expected to attend tomorrow's rehearsal, I'd guess he's already in town, since travelling on the same day might be exhausting for him.

Especially as east-bound jet lag is always so exhausting, even for us young people.

An All-John Williams Program with Emanuel Ax and Gil Shaham | E Pluribus Unum: From Many, One | January 22-25, 2026, Boston Symphony Hall | Piano Concerto to be recorded

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