Oct 17, 2025 By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger 4 min read

Moviegoers don’t always think of film composers when enjoying a night at the multiplex, but without them, many films would fall flat.

Viewers who saw “Jaws” during a busy summer beach season a half-century ago can still recall the notes that evoked the terror of a circling shark.

And who can forget the famous five-note motif from “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”? Sometimes just a handful of notes are able to transport us back to that moment when we first felt the heart-stopping dread of a dangerous deep-sea predator, or the wonder of a boy meeting his alien friend.

These scores and more will be in the spotlight when the Washington Symphony Orchestra (WSO) presents the music of legendary film composer John Williams on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Olin Fine Arts Center at Washington & Jefferson College.

Choosing John Williams

WSO Music Director and Principal Conductor Yugo Ikach, along with the WSO’s artistic advisory group, chose Williams and his music because of his talent and ability to span generations.

“He wrote scores for so many films – from “Superman” to “Jaws,” “Schindler’s List,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Saving Private Ryan” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” which really pushes the envelope,” said Ikach.

Ikach believes that great films rely heavily on their music.

“It’s amazing how music guides the listener-there’s great power in music. Even in ancient Greece, they realized the power it held,” he said.

Ikach pointed out that the two concerts will be a workout for some of the WSO’s members.

“It is very taxing on the brass players in the higher range, performing with bravado and force; it’s going to be a real exercise in stamina,” he said.

Ikach said it takes a while to sync everything while working as a unit, but it never gets boring and is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of life.

“When we rehearse, it’s like a relaxing bubble bath,” he said “We go to a special place for a couple of hours.”

A new concertmaster

The concert also marks a debut for the WSO’s new concertmaster, Anne Moskal, who demonstrated a love for the violin early on.

“I would take my sister’s instrument and try to hide in the closet and imitate what she did,” she recalled. “My parents eventually found Chris Wu at the Carnegie Mellon Preparatory School to teach me and I loved it,” she said.

Moskal understands the importance of music education and the role the WSO can play in it.

“We will be reaching out to the youngest kids we possibly can to plant the seed and spark their interest,” she said.

As concertmaster, Moskal views her role as a leader and nurturer.

“I want to make sure that the musicians feel supported as an important part of the team and that I’m open to their concerns and wishes,” she said.

Moskal is also focused on providing guidance.

“I think I can offer just a little more information when it comes to the extreme details of fingerings, bow techniques and approaching it from a little bit of a higher level-but nothing they won’t be unable to do,” she said.

Moskal is also making the effort to get to know her fellow musicians.

“These are members of the community. Other symphonies bring in players from elsewhere for concerts,” she said.

Moskal is looking forward to playing Williams’ music.

“John Williams has the ability to paint a picture and create a mood,” she said. “His ability to create ambiance and gorgeous melodies is unmatched in my mind.”

Her passion for her work is clear.

“Music evokes so many things and helps me tap into my emotions. It takes so much heart and focus, and that’s very important to me as a person,” she said.

And she hopes her energy is contagious.

“I am excited to bring the community together around music. It really livens my soul and if I can move just one person in the audience to feel something that they didn’t before, I will have done my job,” Moskal said.

For more information on the concerts, go online to washsym.org.