Jacksonville Symphony brings ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ live-to-film performances to Jacoby Symphony Hall Jan. 23–24

Two-night “live-to-film” event set for downtown Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Symphony is scheduled to present Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, and Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, with both performances listed for 7 p.m. at Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.

The program pairs a full screening of the 1980 film with a live performance of John Williams’ score, a format commonly billed as “live-to-film,” in which the orchestra performs in synchronization with the picture on a large screen.

Conductor and licensing details

For the Jacksonville dates, the Symphony’s published event materials list Matthew Wardell as conductor. The presentation is described as being licensed by Disney Concerts, reflecting the standard rights and touring framework used for branded film-with-orchestra productions.

What audiences can expect musically

Unlike a traditional symphonic concert, a live-to-film performance is structured around the movie’s timing. The score is performed as it appears in the film, including transitions that range from short cues to extended set pieces, requiring precise coordination between the conductor, musicians, and film playback.

In practical terms, the orchestra functions as the film’s score track, delivering Williams’ themes and underscoring in real time as key story moments unfold, from action sequences to quieter passages tied to character development.

Venue and season context

The concerts are planned for Jacoby Symphony Hall, the Symphony’s primary performance home within the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. The hall opened in 1997 and is designed for orchestral acoustics, with the Symphony describing a seating capacity of about 1,800.

The event is part of the Symphony’s “Symphonic Night at the Movies” programming for the 2025–26 season, a series built around major films presented with live orchestral accompaniment.

• Event: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert
• Dates and time: Jan. 23–24, 2026, 7 p.m.
• Location: Jacoby Symphony Hall, Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts (downtown Jacksonville)
• Conductor listed: Matthew Wardell

The program description released for the performances summarizes the film’s plot arc following the destruction of the Death Star, including the battle on Hoth, Luke Skywalker’s training with Yoda, and the confrontation on Cloud City.

Ticketing and seating are being handled through the Symphony’s regular sales channels, with the event listed as a two-performance run.