Arab News 

DUBAI: The Dubai Opera is celebrating legendary composer John Williams’ 89th birthday with a reminder that the UAE-based NSO Orchestra will perform his iconic “Star Wars” theme song at the Movie Music Gala on Feb. 20.

The opera house posted a tribute on social media on Sunday featuring a clip of the composer’s score, alongside scenes from the latest installment of the popular film franchise.

‘Wishing one of the greatest film composers of all time, #JohnWilliams a very happy birthday! Featured here is the iconic #StarWars theme song which will be performed live by @nsosymphonyuae at the #MovieMusicGala show at 2pm and 8pm on 20 February. Don’t miss it!” the Dubai Opera captioned the post.

نتمنى لجون ويليامز، أحد أعظم مؤلفي الموسيقى التصويرية في التاريخ عيد ميلادٍ سعيد! استمتعوا بموسيقى فيلم ستار وورز الأيقونية التي ستؤديها أوركسترا الإمارات السيمفونية الوطنية خلال عرض #MovieMusicGala يوم 20 فبراير الساعة 2:00 ظهراً والساعة 8:00 ليلاً في #دبي_أوبرا! pic.twitter.com/CoqAk5nv4B

— Dubai Opera by Emaar (@DubaiOpera) February 8, 2021

On Feb. 20, the NSO Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Berryman, will perform film music, from the classics to contemporary tunes. Audience members can expect to hear the iconic “Star Wars” title theme, the “Pirates of the Caribbean” tune, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, Carl Orff’s epic O, Fortuna from “Carmina Burana,” the powerful “Gladiator” title theme and more.

Special guest artist, Emirati pianist and composer Hamad Altaee, will perform one of his pieces, “Journey of Victory,” accompanied by the orchestra.