John Williams, the famed film composer, made his first visit to the corporate headquarters of Hal Leonard Corp., his longtime music print publisher, on October 3. The relationship between Williams and Hal Leonard spans decades and it’s produced hundreds of publications featuring his iconic music. Folios for “Star Wars,” “E.T.,” “Jaws,” “Jurassic Park,” “Superman,” “Schindler’s List,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “War Horse,” “Lincoln,” “Home Alone,” “Indiana Jones” and the “Harry Potter” films are available in formats for many instruments at various levels.
In 1993, Hal Leonard introduced the John Williams Signature Editions series. Now numbering more than 100, these authentic publications are used by professional orchestras, bands and soloists around the world. The John Williams Signature Editions series features not only his film scores, but also music he has composed for special occasions. These include his Olympic themes and his compositions commemorating the bicentennial of “The Star Spangled Banner” and the 215th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Band, to name a few. Williams is closely involved with these editions; each includes a signed, personal program note.
During his time at the Hal Leonard office in Milwaukee, he toured the facility and met with the staff, including the editors of his music. The tour preceded his sold-out performance with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, sponsored by Hal Leonard.
At the Marcus Center, the excited concert crowd greeted Williams with a standing ovation when he took the stage, and their enthusiasm grew from there. The maestro and the orchestra delivered three encores. During the concert, Williams spoke of his long and fruitful tenure with Hal Leonard, and made a point of mentioning that every note being performed that night was printed and published by the local firm.