The Force was strong at The Theatre at Solaire on August 30 and 31 as Film Concerts PH staged Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back In Concert. Fans got to relive the saga’s most iconic chapter with a twist: John Williams’ legendary score performed live by the Filharmonika Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Gerard Salonga.

If you’ve seen Empire dozens of times on TV or streaming, this show made it feel brand new.

The lobby of the venue felt like a fan celebration. There were cosplayers (Darth Vader, Darth Sidious, Chewie, Han Solo, Princess Leia — you name it), and the Theatre Store tempted fans with collectibles, from Grogu plushies to Funko Pops. You could feel the joy of being surrounded by fellow fans geeking out together.

“This is a very different experience. We’re not in a cinema. This is a concert. The audience is allowed — encouraged, actually, to react. If you see something you like, or you hear a bit of music that’s familiar to you, makes you want to lose your mind, just go right ahead!” The Maestro has spoken, and the audience made it a point to appreciate the timeless scenes and music.

It wasn’t just me who had goosebumps when the opening crawl blasted across the screen, and the Star Wars theme thundered from a full orchestra right in front of the audience. It really is an experience I cannot fully describe. I found myself watching the musicians every once in a while, transfixed by their talent.

There are numerous memorable scenes and musical pieces from this film, and watching it with a theater full of fellow Star Wars fans is a bonus.

“The Battle of Hoth” is one of the most iconic ground battles in sci-fi cinema. The music is tense and brassy, setting the tone for the Rebels’ fight on Hoth. It leads to “The Asteroid Field,” where Han Solo, Chewbacca, Leia, and C-3PO dive into an asteroid field aboard the Millennium Falcon to escape Imperial pursuit. The music is fast and energetic, mirroring the chase.

“The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme)” was introduced in Empire, and it instantly became one of the most recognizable pieces in cinema history.

Who could forget Han and Leia’s “I love you” / “I know” exchange before Han is frozen in carbonite? And when the fateful “No, I am your father” moment arrived, the audience clapped and cheered. That plot twist!

Unlike A New Hope, Empire doesn’t end with triumph, and “The Rebel Fleet and End Title” expresses that bittersweet finale.

After the film, the audience gave a much-deserved standing ovation for Maestro Gerard Salonga and the Filharmonika Orchestra. Emotions were still high after the final bow, and there were shouts of “Long live the Empire!”

After the success of A New Hope In Concert last year and now Empire, Manila is more than ready for Return of the Jedi.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert is presented by Film Concerts PH.

Words and photos by Ava S.