Composer John Williams is famous for scoring films such as “E.T. the Extra Terrestrial” and the original “Star Wars” series.

On Wednesday, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic will play one song from each of these critically acclaimed science fiction films before fireworks light up the starry sky.

“I’m a huge John Williams fan,” said Thomas Wilson, the philharmonic’s associate conductor. “There isn’t a better living composer. These two (films) just make a lot of sense. ‘Star Wars’ is very popular right now, and it’s important to meet our audience on their own terms.”

Wilson has been conducting this event for at least a dozen years, but he said he always tries to shake up the program.

“This year, we’re doing more film music than usual,” he said. “The Philharmonic is playing E.T. in its entirety in the upcoming season, so I thought a sneak preview would be kind of cool.”

The Philharmonic also will perform traditional patriotic songs such as “America the Beautiful,” “The Star Spangled Banner” and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.”

Wild Blue Country from Unites States Air Force Academy will perform during the event opening at 5:30 p.m. and there will be food and drink available for purchase.

“It’s the single largest gathering of Colorado Springs residents all year,” Wilson said, estimating 100,000 attendees. “That’s important. That sense of community engagement and togetherness is something that I think is really special in a city that’s now grown.”

The Postal Service will unveil new America the Beautiful stamps at the event, too.

“The nerd in me is very excited about that,” Wilson said. “They wanted to unveil those America the Beautiful stamps where America the Beautiful is.”

Wilson said he hopes the performance will inspire people to come and enjoy the Philharmonic throughout the year.

“So many people, when they come to our concerts at Pikes Peak Center, they say, ‘You know, the first time I heard you was July Fourth.’”

Memorial Park hosts all-ages fun on the Fourth of July. This year’s celebration will feature performances by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and by the Air Force Academy’s Wild Blue Country. (Photo courtesy of Colorado Springs Philharmonic )