UPDATED below with more background and additional video of Spielberg.
Seattle’s Benaroya Hall was already experiencing a treat Wednesday night as guest conductor John Williams led the Seattle Symphony in selections from the composer’s scores for such films as Star Wars, E.T., Indiana Jones, Schindler’s List and others.
Then came the big surprise: Steven Spielberg, the renowned filmmaker behind many of those iconic movies, walked out on stage to narrate the second half of the performance. Watch the moment in the video below, via the Seattle Symphony.
The reaction seemed to overwhelm even Spielberg. “Oh my God,” he said. “I should move here, after that.” We’ll take you, Mr. Spielberg. Let us know where to submit our response to your HQ2 RFP.
Earlier in the night, selections included “Rey’s Theme” from Star Wars.
Here’s a sampling of the audience reaction from Twitter to Spielberg’s appearance.
Uh Steven Spielberg made a surprise visit to the Seattle Symphony for the John Williams concert and it is very good. pic.twitter.com/0Iki4UEgAg
— Rich Smith ? (@richsssmith) September 28, 2017
Just saw John Williams on stage with Steven Spielberg @benaroyahall in Seattle. What a thrill! Spielberg was a surprise guest! #Wow pic.twitter.com/A9vMvUepAc
— Mike Hausenfluck (@HausenfluckMike) September 28, 2017
Titans: John Williams & Steven Spielberg walk into a bar. (@ Benaroya Hall in Seattle, WA) https://t.co/X0AX8SW22T pic.twitter.com/l6Jq0uXtuD
— Abraham Ronel (@ronelsax) September 28, 2017
UPDATE: Spielberg has appeared with Williams at other performances, including the Atlanta Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Phoenix Symphony, but this was the first time in the Pacific Northwest. Initially, it looked like Spielberg wouldn’t be available last night, but when that changed, the Seattle Symphony decided to make his appearance a surprise, a spokesperson says.
Here’s a video of Spielberg talking about the connection between music and film.