The Force was with hundreds of families from the Lima area who came out to experience the music of the Star Wars franchise live, courtesy of the Lima Symphony Orchestra.
“I think the thrill is indeed hearing these things live,” said conductor Crafton Beck, who also serves as the musical director for the symphony. “Whether you’re someone like myself who remembers when the first film came out in 1977 or a youngster, now really the third generation that has grown up with these films, to suddenly hear the Imperial March, Darth Vader’s theme, played by a 70 piece symphony orchestra, it is just overwhelming because it just has an in your face power. You can feel the vibrations on your face. You can feel the vibrations under your feet."
The show was the symphony’s annual Family Concert, giving area families a chance to bond over a shared love of Star Wars and music.
“Well, [I am a] a music teacher,” said Teagon Simmons, who drove down from Findlay with her husband John and their two children to see the show. “I love music and the orchestra and I wanted to bring the kids out and this seemed like a good family way to do that.”
“Brexton and I are the biggest of the Star Wars fans but we brought the rest of the family and we enjoy the movies and the shows,” said John.
It is the first time her children will be experiencing a live orchestra and her son Brexton, 9, is looking forward to hearing his favorite themes from the movies.
“I haven’t actually really gone to an orchestra show before so this is my first time,” said Brexton. “But maybe I will be [a fan]. I like the Darth Vader March. I just like the intensity and also it carries through all the movies which makes me happy."
Music from all eight Star Wars movies was included in the performance.
