Five fun facts to get you hyped for the music of the most Oscar-nominated composer in film history
For the first official Pops concerts of the 2026/2027 Season, the Calgary Phil celebrates in cinematic fashion with The Music of John Williams. On September 24, 25 +26, conductor Tristan Rais-Sherman leads the Orchestra through iconic scores from some of the biggest blockbusters of all time. To get you in the mood, check out our Oscar-worthy trivia tidbits:
No. 1
John Williams is the most Oscar-nominated person alive, with over 50 nominations — and second only to Walt Disney. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and Memoirs of a Geisha are just some of his many nominated movies. He has won five Academy Awards.
No. 2
At the height of his Hollywood fame, a unique request came across William’s desk from the organizing committee of the Los Angeles Olympics. Their inquiry to the composer was successful, resulting in John Williams not only writing a new fanfare for the games, but also performing it with the New American Orchestra at the Opening Ceremony of the Los Angeles Olympics on 28 July 1984.
No. 3
John Williams’ Superman March was crafted to rhythmically ‘spell out’ the word Superman using the notes E, D, D, leading audiences to subconsciously sing-along to the music.
No. 4
Sayuri’s Theme in the score of Memoirs of a Geisha is one of John Williams’ most deeply intimate and expressive compositions, relying on the cello to express the voice John Williams
Learn more about The Music of John Williams
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