The Allentown Symphony Pops concert, “The Music of John Williams, 7:30 p.m. May 6, with a focus on music from the movies of directors Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, can be considered a “greatest hits of John Williams.”

Says Allentown Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor Diane Wittry, “When planning the program, I chose pieces that everyone would know and love such as ‘The Raiders March’ from ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark,’ ‘Main Title’ from ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘March’ from ‘Superman.’

“I also included other types of writing which showcases John Williams, but allows the audience to experience other sides of him, as well.”

The concert includes selections from the first and final “Harry Potter” movies. Although from different directors, the films highlight Williams’ ability to create a theme or motive which, each time one hears it, one associates that music with a specific character.

For example, from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and throughout the film series, one easily recognizes “Hedwig’s Theme” performed on the celeste.

“John Williams is an amazing craftsman as a composer and people who love his music should also hear other pieces which inspired him,” says Witty.

The first two notes of the “Main Title” from “Jaws” can be heard at the beginning of the fourth movement in Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, “From the New World)”

While not singling out a particular section of the orchestra, people may not realize the physical endurance required of the brass players. And the writing for the strings is quite dense.

In addition to instrumental works, the concert includes choral selections performed by the Nazareth Area High School “Nightingales” and Easton Area High School Chorus.

“I wanted to highlight choruses and chose music accordingly,” says Wittry.

The Nazareth Area High School Nightingales, directed by Kelly Rocchi, comprises 24 singers who provide “lighter” voices appropriate for pieces such as “Double Trouble” from “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and “Dry Your Tears Afrika” from “Amistad.”

The 70-voice Easton Area High School Chorus, directed by Peter Deshler and John Shilanskas, are featured in “Battle of the Heroes” from “Star Wars Episode II: Revenge of the Sith”; “Hymn to the Fallen” from “Saving Private Ryan,” and “Dual of the Fates” from “Star Wars: Phantom Menace.”

The vocal ensembles join for the performance of “Exultate Justi” from “Empire of the Sun” for a quasi-antiphonal effect.

Members of the Easton Area High School Chorus will be on stage while the Nazareth Nightingales are featured in the box seat areas of Miller Symphony Hall.

The Allentown Symphony Orchestra returns to PPL Center, Allentown, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6, to accompany a big screen presentation of the movie, “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.” Tickets: https:// www.pplcenter.com

The Allentown Symphony Pops May 6 concert is sold out. Call the Box Office to be put on the wait list. Miller Symphony Hall box office, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown; 610-432-6715; https://www.millersymphonyhall.org

“Classical View” is a column about classical music concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com