Star Wars in NYC With Strings

I recently went to see The Empire Strikes Back on the big screen, with John Williams' legendary score brought to life by the New York Philharmonic.

The conductor set the mood from the start, encouraging the audience to enjoy the show, and to feel free to applaud the classic lines, the entrances of our favorite characters, and the most awkward kiss in the history of the cinema.

Having thus been given permission, the spectators had a terrific time, and it looked very much to me like the orchestra did as well. They seemed particularly amused at the end when some of the folks in the balcony took out lightsabers — it was that kind of night.

What’s Coming Up

Fortunately, they do this type of event several times each year, and in the upcoming 2025–2026 season, if you love both orchestral music and the silver screen, you're very much in luck.

Psycho for Halloween: October 30–November 1

Home Alone for the holidays: December 17–20

Encanto: June 18–21

Return of the Jedi: June 24–27

Inside Tip 🪄

Bring your own lightsaber if you want to get in the spirit—or just show up ready to cheer. It’s encouraged.

Address: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York

Phone: (212) 875-5656

Website: https://www.nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/explore/films/

About Me

Laura LaVelle is Wonder Shuffle's Culture Editor. A fan of the great indoors, you can find her in her native NYC, her home in Connecticut, or at a concert, play, library, bookstore, or museum just about anywhere in the world.