Varèse Sarabande Records continues their 35th anniversary celebration with a special tribute performance by the Golden State Pops Orchestra celebrating the Star Wars legacy on June 15, 2013 with Music from the Star Wars Universe. Varèse Sarabande, one of the most prolific film music label in the world, has produced more than 1500 soundtracks with 60 to 70 new additions each year. In 2005, the Golden State Pops performed the premiere of John William's "Battle of Heroes" from Revenge of the Sith. This year, they will continue to uphold the Star Wars legacy with music from all aspects of the Star Wars Universe including the Varese Sarabande score album from composer Joel McNeely, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire. Aside from the core saga, including Williams' iconic theme, the Golden State Pops will include music from video games, spin-off films, and fan films in their repertoire. The concert will take place at the Warner Grand Theatre at 478 W 6th Street in San Pedro, CA on Saturday, June 15, 2013. Ticketing information can be found by clicking here.
The Music from the Star Wars Universe concert is part of a larger series of performances to celebrate Varèse Sarabande's 35 years as an industry leader taking place this year. The first concert in February of was a tribute to legendary composer Alan Silvestri whose projects include Captain America, Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, and Castaway. Selections from his illustrious films were performed by the Golden State Pops Orchestra, the only year-round California pops orchestra specializing in film music. The second concert was the Hollywood Love Stories Concert in Macau, China. This historic concert was the first ever Hollywood film music concert in China. The Macau Orchestra performed at the Venetian Macau Resort Hotel, the biggest casino in the world, to a sold out audience and received a standing ovation. The 35th Anniversary Concert, also held at the Warner Grand Theater, was a sold-out event featuring music from some of Hollywood's biggest composers, including Hans Zimmer performing with Incubus guitarist Michael Einziger and the premiere of Michael Giacchino's score for Star Trek: Into Darkness, conducted by Giacchino himself.
Founded in 1978, Varèse Sarabande was the first music label dedicated solely to film music, releasing film scores for a range of movies from current films to classics from Hollywood's Golden Age, curating an illustrious catalogue that includes composers and films in all genres. Varèse Sarabande producer Robert Townson is hosting and producing the worldwide performances celebrating their 35th anniversary.
The next scheduled concert be held on October 19, 2013, and will employ a Halloween theme. Several other European concerts are in the works, but dates and locations have yet to be confirmed.