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The Music of John Williams vs Hans ZimmerPresented by The Great British Film Orchestra
Derby Cathedral
Wednesday 27 May 2026 | 18:45 and 21:15
Experience a breathtaking celebration of John Williams, Hans Zimmer and the greatest film scores ever written, brought to life by a chamber orchestra.
Step into a world where cinematic music history is brought to life. This year, The Great British Film Orchestra proudly embarks on a spectacular UK-wide tour, presenting The Music of John
Williams vs Hans Zimmer – an orchestral duel between two titans whose scores have defined generations of storytelling.
For over half a century, John Williams has shaped the sound of wonder itself. His unforgettable themes for Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Superman, Jurassic Park and more have become modern
mythology – fanfares that summon heroes, awaken galaxies and stir the imagination of millions. His music is symphonic grandeur at its purest, rooted in classical tradition yet alive with adventure, heart and timeless magic.
Opposing him stands Hans Zimmer, the architect of bold, thunderous, revolutionary sound. With groundbreaking scores for The Dark Knight, Gladiator, The Lion King, Inception and beyond, Zimmer reinvented the very language of film music. His fusion of orchestra, electronics, and relentless rhythm forged a new cinematic era – powerful, primal, unmistakably modern.
Bringing these monumental worlds to the stage is The Great British Film Orchestra, one of the UK’s premier symphonic ensembles devoted to the art of film music. Renowned for their
rich, commanding sound and vivid performances, this chamber orchestra transforms every concert into a widescreen experience – transporting audiences from ancient coliseums and distant galaxies to enchanted kingdoms and shadowed cityscapes.
This extraordinary touring production is more than a concert – it is a celebration of two musical legends whose work has shaped the emotional core of cinema itself. Expect soaring strings,
heroic brass, electrifying percussion and moments of pure, breathtaking spectacle as Williams’ iconic themes meet Zimmer’s thunderous power in a night of symphonic glory.
John Williams. Hans Zimmer. One orchestra. Infinite adventure.
Venue and ticket information:
Tickets
Please note that for this performance we are only the hosting venue and we don’t have any association with the tickets for the event. For any ticket enquiries please contact the event company you purchased the tickets through.
Facilities
There is a licensed bar onsite for the performance, cash and card payments welcome. Please note that your own drinks cannot be brought into the venue. The Cathedral management reserves the right to carry out bag searches at its discretion.
Car parking
The nearest car park to the venue is on St Michaels Lane, DE1 3DQ, and is just £2 to park after 6pm.
Balcony seating
The balcony is not suitable for those with access requirements and limited mobility. Patrons on the front row of the balcony must be 16 years of age and upwards. No under 16s will be permitted to sit on the front row of the balcony. Dancing is prohibited on the balcony. If you’d like to dance, we would encourage you to book a ticket in the nave on the ground floor.
Access seating
The Cathedral has provision for a limited number of wheelchairs in the venue, please speak to the box office selling the tickets before booking seats if you require space for a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
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Event Venue
18-19 Iron Gate, DE1 3DT Derby, United Kingdom, 25 Iron Gate, Derby, DE1 3GL, United Kingdom
Tickets
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