the mommy avenger

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I remember sitting wide-eyed in front of my TV, watching Star Wars for the first time. Like so many of us, the unforgettable music of John Williams swelled in the background, pulling me into an epic adventure I would revisit countless times over the years. But nothing could have prepared me for the sheer power of hearing that same music performed live by the Colorado Symphony while watching The Empire Strikes Back on the big screen. Spoiler alert: it was mind-blowing.

Let me set the stage. If you haven’t experienced a live symphony performance, especially one where they’re playing the soundtrack to a movie as iconic as The Empire Strikes Back, you’re missing out. BIG TIME. Picture this: You’re sitting in a dark theater, the opening crawl begins, and before you know it, the real magic begins—not just on the screen, but in the music. The moment the first notes of the Star Wars theme burst into life, you can literally feel the force ripple through the crowd.

I’ve always loved John Williams’ score, but hearing it performed live is an entirely different experience. I mean, we’re talking goosebumps from head to toe. The Colorado Symphony brought the soundtrack to life in a way that felt both nostalgic and brand new. Every iconic moment, from the ominous hum of Darth Vader’s Imperial March to the sweeping notes of Han and Leia’s love theme, hit so much harder with the orchestra playing mere feet away.

There’s something deeply immersive about this experience. The energy of the musicians combined with the visuals of the movie made it feel like you were there, in the trenches of Hoth or zooming through the asteroid field with Han and Chewie. Each note seemed to swirl around the room, making everything more intense—more emotional, more epic.

And don’t even get me started on Yoda’s theme. My mom heart basically exploded during the Dagobah scenes. Yoda dispensing his timeless wisdom while the strings swell in the background? Cue all the feels. Honestly, I’m not sure who loved it more—me or my kids.

Speaking of kids, this was one of those perfect family outings where everyone wins. My kids, who have seen The Empire Strikes Back before were absolutely captivated by the live orchestra. I mean, how often do you get to introduce something so classic to a new generation in such a mind-blowing way?

They already love the Star Wars movies, but this performance? It took their fandom to a whole new level. Seeing them watch the symphony with wide eyes, pointing out their favorite moments, and then talking non-stop about the live music all the way home was so much fun. There’s just something magical about experiencing something beloved together and seeing it spark wonder and excitement in your kids.

If you’ve ever wanted to feel the Force yourself, THIS is how you do it. The live orchestration made The Empire Strikes Back feel as if it was unfolding in real-time, like we were watching history happen. It’s not just about reliving the magic of a movie we all know and love—it’s about feeling the music in your bones and sharing that awe with the next generation.

So, whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan or just looking for an unforgettable family experience, do yourself a favor: go see a Star Wars concert with a live symphony. The combination of live music and classic film is something everyone in your family will cherish. And as for me, well, let’s just say I’m already eyeing the tickets for the next one. Because when the Force calls, you don’t ignore it.

Trust me, this is the way.

To learn more about other upcoming performances with the Colorado Symphony, visit them online. There are lots of great opportunities to see other movies in concert that you won’t want to miss.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}