The Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s highly-anticipated June 14 performance featuring special guests John Williams and Steven Spielberg released tickets to the general public on April 14, but the line began forming long before the 9 am ticket release.
Hopeful concertgoers began setting-up camp as early as 8 pm on April 13 to be guaranteed tickets to this one-time-only performance. In addition to a long line of ticket seeking music fans, the crowd was greeted by a group of surprise guests.
The waiting fans were greeted by R2D2 (Star Wars droid character) and members of the Great Lakes Garrison 501 Legion Michigan Chapter of Imperial Star Wars characters, including: Stormtroopers, Snowtroopers, TIE Fighter Pilots and, of course, the dark Sith lord himself – Darth Vader.
The group of 20-30 overnight ticket-seekers were all successful in receiving tickets, however tickets sold through the box office hotline and via DSO.org were in high demand, resulting in an overload of the DSO’s ticket purchasing network. The event was completely sold out by 9:15 am.
Williams will conduct the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on June 14 as they play selections from his famously-awarded scores, including films such as: Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jaws, Indiana Jones, E.T., Schindler’s List and others.
Williams and Spielberg have donated their services for the evening, as Williams is scheduled to personally conduct the Detroit Symphony Orchestra members for the first time since 2008. The performance will also feature director Steven Spielberg personally introducing favorite film clips projected over the orchestra stage.
“The Detroit Symphony is one of our country’s greatest artistic treasures,” said Williams. “And it’s always a privilege and a joy to make music with them.”
Over the span of six decades, Williams has earned five Academy Awards and 21 Grammy Awards for his musical contributions to film. His astounding 49-time Academy Award nominations make him the second-most nominated figure in Academy history – after Walt Disney.