‘Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert’
– FIMUCITÉ 2026
When the music becomes stronger than the image
It may come as a surprise to many Star Wars fans, but this year’s FIMUCITÉ was the first time I have ever watched Star Wars: A New Hope. Looking back, I honestly cannot imagine a more memorable introduction to this legendary story than experiencing it with a live orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score.
Looking beyond the screen
I could see both the screen and the orchestra at the same time. Again and again, I found myself taking my eyes off George Lucas’ galaxy and turning them towards the musicians on stage.
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to see Eímear Noone conducting for the very first time during the Kraków Film Music Festival. I was fascinated by her charisma, her vibrant energy and the genuine joy she brings to every performance. Later, I even dedicated an entire article to her. I felt she was an artist whose story deserved to be shared.
This time, however, I watched her through different eyes. Her charisma was still there, of course, but what impressed me even more was the extraordinary precision with which she guided the orchestra throughout more than two hours of music perfectly synchronized with the film.
The beauty of invisible precision
Perhaps my perspective has changed because, over the years, I have attended many more film music concerts. I have learned to notice not only the emotions they evoke, but also the immense amount of work hidden behind what appears to be effortless.
Live-to-picture performances are among the most demanding forms of film music performance. Every gesture from the conductor, every breath of the orchestra and every tempo change must align flawlessly with the images on screen. Ideally, the audience should never even realise how incredibly difficult that is. And perhaps that is exactly what impressed me the most – the invisible precision behind such apparent ease.
Yet despite this responsibility, Eímear Noone never lost her spontaneity. Quite the opposite. Even before the first note was played, she stepped onto the podium smiling, visibly excited to begin. I have always loved observing artists in moments like these, when years of experience have done nothing to diminish their genuine enthusiasm. That excitement spread through the audience almost instantly. Before a single note had been played, it already felt as though we were all about to embark on the same musical journey.
Of course, John Williams’ music played an equally important role. Long before I ever watched A New Hope, many of its themes were already familiar to me. They have long transcended the world of Star Wars, becoming part of our collective musical culture, inspiring composers, musicians and audiences around the world. Let’s be honest, who has never had John Williams’ iconic main theme stuck in their head?
Hearing them performed live, however, is an entirely different experience. Suddenly, every orchestral colour, every conversation between instruments and every subtle musical detail comes into focus. Themes that seem deeply familiar reveal entirely new layers when they are brought to life by a live orchestra.
Where the force truly lives
This is exactly why I keep returning to film music festivals.
Not only because they allow us to hear beloved scores performed live, but because they remind us that behind every unforgettable soundtrack stand remarkable people. There are composers, musicians and conductors who continue to perform these works with the same passion as if they were discovering them for the very first time.
Years from now, I may not remember every scene from Star Wars: A New Hope. But I know I will remember something else. The moments when I simply looked away from the screen and towards the stage. Because that was where the true magic of the evening came to life. Not only through John Williams’ timeless music, but through the people who gave it new life in front of our eyes.
“May the Force be with you.”
After this concert, I found myself thinking that perhaps this is the true Force of music. It has the power to make you forget even one of cinema’s most iconic films for a moment… simply because you cannot stop watching the orchestra.