On Friday, October 3, John Williams made his first visit to the corporate headquarters of Hal Leonard Corporation – his longtime music print publisher.
The relationship between Mr. Williams and Hal Leonard spans decades and has spawned hundreds of publications featuring his famous music. Folios for Star Wars, E.T., Jaws, Jurassic Park, Superman, Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, War Horse, Lincoln, Home Alone and the Harry Potter films are available in formats for many instruments at various levels.
In 1993, Hal Leonard launched the John Williams Signature Editions series. Now numbering more than 100, these authentic publications are for professional orchestras 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 – such as 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 but a few. Mr. Williams is closely involved with these editions; each includes a signed, personal program note.
During his time at the Hal Leonard Milwaukee office, 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 on Saturday, sponsored by Hal Leonard Corporation.
At the Marcus Center, the excited concert crowd greeted Mr. Williams with a standing ovation when he took the stage, and their enthusiasm grew from there. The maestro and the orchestra answered their adoration with three encores.
During the concert, Mr. 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.
Hal Leonard CEO Keith Mardak commented, “It’s been a privilege to work so closely with John over the years, and an honor for our staff to meet him in person. We’re extremely proud to play a part in publishing his masterpieces so they can be enjoyed for many more generations.”
Photo: Larry Morton, John Williams, Keith Mardak, and Paul Lavender.
