Rick Langenberg
The epic science fiction epic that took the film industry by storm is landing in Woodland Park, at least the musical, space opera version.
The “Star Wars” arrival will feature a score of familiar characters, such as Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Princess Leia Organa and more, all decked out in special costumes.
The Woodland Park Wind Symphony, in an ambitious outing, will perform the music of “Star Wars” on May 3 at Church of the Nazarene (900 Evergreen Heights Drive), in a venue well-known for its impressive acoustics. The free concert begins at 7 p.m. But the doors open at 6 p.m. for registration for a rare and unique costume contest, concert seating, and photo opportunities.
Besides the music, originally crafted by legendary composer, John Williams, the performance will feature a rare costume contest, with prizes provided from Bazinga Vintage Toys and Collectibles (bazingavintagetoys.com), which will feature a special booth area.
When entering the church lobby, attendees will be asked to remove any costume masks. After receiving a bracelet for identification, they can proceed to register and stop by the Bazinga Vintage Toys table. They will have an ideal opportunity to take plenty of photos.
Audience members can wear costumes, and don’t need to sign up for the contest.
Both musicians and audience members are invited to pose for photos in front of the “Star Wars” backdrop, displayed on stage. Concert organizers will have cut-out figures throughout the lobby.
Musicians will wear costumes during the performance.
The “Star Wars” music is described by a Symphony spokesperson as “wonderful, with complex rhythms, wonderful melodies and exciting story telling.”
Williams is credited for scoring the music for nine primary Skywalker Saga films from 1977 to 2019. According to the Star Wars music website, his iconic, Oscar-winning orchestral scores defined the sound of the space opera, including the main theme, “The Imperial March,” and “Force Theme.”
The “Star Wars” movies made a major impact on the film, music and entertainment industries, setting the stage for an unprecedented era of special effects that still commands much discussion today. The Star War characters have become legendary sci fi figures.
The concert is being sponsored by a variety of area businesses and nonprofit organizations, including Woodland Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Bazinga Vintage Toys and Collectibles, Ute Pass Symphony Guild and Church of the Nazarene.
Admission to the concert is free, though, contributions are welcome.
The show marks one of the signature, free concerts performed by Woodland Wind Symphony throughout the year.
The Star Wars show is an ideal fit for the Woodland Park Wind Symphony.
The WP Wind Symphony, under the direction of Craig Harms, has been a mainstay of the community for 30-plus years. Currently, the well-regarded Symphony organization features more than 70 musicians. Formerly under the title of The Woodland Park Community Band, the group was organized for the purpose of providing adults and children within the community and surrounding area opportunities to enhance or recondition their instrumental musical skills.
Moreover, the Symphony group was formed to provide not only entertainment and support for Woodland Park, but to serve as a source of local “musical enrichment for both performer and patrons of the Pikes Peak area.”
The Symphony has even performed special shows at top venues in Colorado Springs and major cultural hubs.
For more information, visit woodlandparkwindsymphony.com.
