Erie Philharmonic Throws The Idol with Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert

Contributed

Join the stellar musicians of the Erie Philharmonic as they play the John Williams score to Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark live, alongside a screening of the classic adventure.

BEGINNING SATURDAY, FEB. 28

Emerging out of the shadows with the crack of a whip, the Erie Philharmonic's Pops series returns in 2026 with the music of legendary composer John Williams, as the orchestra performs the complete score of Raiders of the Lost Ark in sync with a screening of the 1981 film.

"Enjoy Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark on the big screen over the Warner Theatre stage as the Erie Philharmonic provides the musical score live," the Erie Philharmonic describes. "Raiders redefined the possibilities of adventure cinema and launched actor Harrison Ford to legendary status."

Stephen Spielberg and George Lucas working together on a movie was a powerful combination to be reckoned with. The two formally met at a screening of Spielberg's feature debut Duel hosted by mutual friend Francis Ford Coppola, but had been aware of each other's work for years, as Spielberg was inspired by George's UCLA short film Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB. From that moment, their creative partnership was formed, as Spielberg would encourage Lucas during the development of Star Wars, even recommending John Williams after the chilling scores of The Sugarland Express and Jaws. History was made in that moment, and movie music would never be the same.

Williams composed the score in a matter of weeks, wanting a theatrical sound that would wear its inspiration for serialized adventure reels on the sleeves of a well-worn leather jacket. He wrote two themes; Spielberg loved both and asked if he could combine them. This became "Raiders' March," the iconic theme for Indy, containing recognizable leitmotifs and a dance between the brass and string sections of the orchestra. For the romantic relationship between Indy and Marion, Williams drew from the music of Max Steiner, including the 1942 film Love, Voyager to create a stirring, vintage atmosphere. Having that understanding of storytelling and musical theory allowed Williams to use both atonal music from the contemporary classical of the day and the bombastic sevenths from older cinema to represent the antagonists.

The film won five Oscars, winning over the hearts of audiences and critics alike, and solidifying the impact of the duo that would change filmmaking and Hollywood as we know it.

Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Mar. 1 at 3 p.m. // Warner Theatre, 811 State St. // $17-$68 // For tickets and info: eriephil.org