Philadelphia Orchestra to Present "Fiddler on the Roof" Orchestrated by John Williams

In early March, the Philadelphia Orchestra will collaborate with students from the University of Michigan (UM) to present a semi-staged performance of the 1964 musical "Fiddler on the Roof." Unlike the original musical, however, the concert will feature the orchestrations by the renowned American film composer John Williams.

Williams wrote these orchestrations for the 1971 film adaption of Fiddler on the Roof, which was directed by Norman Jewison. It was this score that saw Williams receive his first Academy Award in 1972, despite three earlier nominations. Despite half a century having elapsed since the film's premiere, this concert will mark the first time that Williams's orchestrations have received a live performance.

The production will be conducted by Andy Einhorn and directed by Matthew Ozawa, and will feature some UM musical theater students alongside professional Broadway singers. Three performances are scheduled, on March 3, 5, and 6, at the Kimmel Center's Verizon Hall. Tickets can be purchased directly from the Philadelphia Orchestra, here.

This news also comes alongside the 90-year-old composer announcing that he will step away from film scoring — turning instead to concert works, including those for artists like cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

John Williams looks back on his 1971 orchestrations in the short video below.