At 90, John Williams Stuns With “Imperial March” Performance

John Williams’ performance of The Imperial March at 90 years old was nothing short of legendary. Conducting the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in 2022, he delivered a powerful and commanding rendition of the iconic Star Wars theme. Despite his age, Williams’ energy and precision were remarkable, proving his enduring passion for music.

As soon as the first few notes rang out, the audience erupted in cheers, recognizing the menacing melody that has defined Darth Vader for generations. Throughout the performance, the orchestra played with intensity, responding to Williams’ direction with precision and flair.

Watch the whole performance in the video below, which has amassed over 4M views and received countless compliments:

The atmosphere was electric, and many in the crowd—composed of fans, musicians, and industry legends—watched in awe. By the time the last note faded, the audience gave Williams a thunderous standing ovation, honoring not just the performance but his decades-long legacy in film music.

John Williams is best known for his unforgettable film scores, but his musical roots run far deeper. Long before composing the themes for Jaws, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Harry Potter, he was a gifted pianist with classical training.

He studied at Juilliard with the intention of becoming a concert pianist, but his path eventually led him to composition, where he reshaped the sound of modern cinema.

Even at 90, Williams’ dedication to music remains as strong as ever. Whether conducting an orchestra or crafting new compositions, his passion and precision continue to inspire musicians and audiences alike.