“This concert builds upon last year’s performance of John Williams’ music and adds works by four composers who Williams knows: Ennio Morricone, Elmer Bernstein, James Horner and Henry Mancini,” says Diane Wittry, Allentown Symphony Orchestra (ASO) Music Director and Conductor, adding, “And by popular demand, we will present two concerts.”

“Night at the Movies: The Music of John Williams and More,” Allentown Symphony Orchestra Pops, 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. May 17, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown.

The concert opens with John Williams’ “Cowboys Overture,” a western score with a nod to music of Aaron Copland, followed by Morricone’s “For a Few Dollars More,” featuring the Pottsville Area High School Chorus.

Says Wittry, “I am so pleased that the Pottsville Area High School Chorus directed by Emma Libby is joining us on several selections. They were a very impressive runner-up for last year’s ‘Holiday Pops Chorus Spotlight,’ so we invited them to perform on this Pops concert.”

The Roy Philippe arrangement of Elmer Bernstein’s “The Magnificent Seven” theme provides a rousing introduction and pleasant variation.

ASO Principal Cello Sofia Nowik evokes a sense of serenity, reflection and spiritual connection in Williams’ “Seven Years in Tibet.”

ASO Principal Trumpet Omri Barak portrays a patriotic and expressive quality in Williams’ “Born on the 4th of July.”

Next are two pieces by James Horner which feature the Pottsville Area High School Chorus: “The Titanic Medley,” arranged by John Moss and Steven Reisteter, and Victor Pesavento’s arrangement of “Avatar Suite.”

After intermission, it’s Williams’ “March from 1941” and “Jaws.”

Says Wittry, “When I realized that 2025 is the 30th anniversary of ‘Jaws,’ I just had to include it on this concert. It is absolutely iconic.”

The next selections hail a time of “cool jazz” with Henry Mancini’s “Peter Gunn,” arranged by Nic Raine, and Calvin Custer’s arrangement of “The Pink Panther Main Theme,” featuring saxophone soloist Steve Reisteter.

ASO Concertmaster Eliezer Gutman performs romantic violin passages in the Angela Morley arrangement of Morricone’s “Love Theme” from the classic Italian film, “Cinema Paradiso,” followed by John Williams’ music from “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

The Pottsville Area High School Chorus returns to the stage in Moss’ arrangement of Horner’s “Apollo 13.”

“And you can’t do a John Williams’ music program without featuring ‘Star Wars,’” says Wittry. “It’s the perfect ending for this concert.

“Williams is the most renowned American composer of our era and the ASO offers the music live.”

“Night at the Movies: The Music of John Williams and More,” Allentown Symphony Orchestra Pops, 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. May 17, Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. 6th St., Allentown. Free tickets for those 21 and under. Tickets: box office; 610-432-6715; https://millersymphonyhall.org/

“Classical View” is a column about classical music, concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnon-line.com