NY Philharmonic: Empire Strikes Back
October 5, 2017
The McCallen and Loughlin Societies brought their “Vincentian Force” to meet the energy field projected by “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back—in Concert” at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on September 27, 2017.
The New York Philharmonic synced the score as the movie played on a large screen. The group previously saw the Philharmonic’s superb scoring in this concert series with the classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s and West Side Story movies. An exclusive prereception at the Lincoln Ristorante, on the Lincoln Center campus, drew close to 50 members, who enjoyed socializing while noshing on a wide array of hors d'oeuvres.
Natalie Boone, a member of The McCallen and Loughlin Societies, enjoyed the evening. “It was the second Society function I have attended and it was lovely,” she said. When asked why she believes it is important to give back to St. John’s, Ms. Boone explained, “The Vincentian tradition is strong in our family, and St. John’s is a worthwhile recipient of our time and money.”
Another happy sentiment came from Mary Ann Van Osdol, guest of Charles Baxley ’58L, who commented, “We enjoyed it very much. Lincoln Center was very nice and the show was, too. It was fun to watch the movie again.”
Once the prereception ended, guests trekked over to the David Geffen Hall for the performance. To their surprise, McCallen and Loughlin Society members were afforded a photo op with Darth Vader, R2-D2, and a Stormtrooper, among other beloved Star Wars characters, during intermission and again at the end of the show.