Only a few sounds are as instantly recognizable as the opening swell to the world of a galaxy far, far away: “Star Wars.” 

Before a single word is spoken or a lightsaber ignites, the movie that’s become part of American pop culture’s DNA blares its score, resonating across generations. 

From the 1977 film, “Star Wars: A New Hope,” to the latest Disney productions, the franchise continues its legacy, inspired by John Williams’ original music.

Now, that iconic sound is stepping off the screen and onto the stage as the Colorado Springs Philharmonic performs “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” accompanying the film in concert at the Pikes Peak Center on Friday and Saturday. 

That performance is part of the American Soundtrack Festival, a multi-concert series celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary through music that has helped define its cultural identity. 

Spanning orchestral works, film scores and live performances from world-renowned artists, the festival began April 18 with a performance by Itzhak Perlman, followed by a “Marsalis / Rachmaninoff” concert on April 25 and 26.

Now, “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” will continue the eight-concert series before “Gershwin: Porgy and Bess” on May 16 and 17, culminating in a July 4 finale at the Ford Amphitheater.

“You can’t do a festival of American music without including music from films, specifically John Williams,” Philharmonic president and CEO Nathan Newbrough said. “It’s so emblematic of the American sound, and it’s the best way we have of celebrating the United States at 250 years. It’s also an opportunity to see the entire film from start to finish in a format that is becoming ever more popular.”

In this format, the film plays on a large screen above the stage. With the original soundtrack carefully removed, only dialogue and sound effects remain.

In its place, the philharmonic will perform Williams’ music live, matching every note, cue and crescendo to the action unfolding onscreen.

According to Newbrough, there’s “simply nothing like it.”

“Every time we do one of these, audiences comment that they’re sort of transfixed through the entire film, but their attention goes back and forth,” he said. “Sometimes they’ll forget that there’s an orchestra playing at all because they’re just focused on the film, and then other times you just have to marvel that these musicians can play it the way it was meant to be heard.” 

Originally recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra, the film’s score was meticulously crafted in a studio setting — a luxury the Colorado Springs Philharmonic won’t have. 

Conductor Thomas Wilson said bringing that same precision to a live performance adds an entirely new level of intensity, with only three rehearsals before the concert.

“It probably took the London Symphony a while to record it all and get it perfect,” Wilson said. “We have one shot with the audience. When you’re listening to the actual movie, you’re hearing the London Symphony on take 27, splice 12. Not for us. This is one shot straight down, so the level of focus and dedication from the musicians is incredible.” 

It’s a challenge fitting for a score that has become one of the most recognizable in American film history. 

Since its 1980 release, “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” has not only cemented itself as a cultural cornerstone but also helped elevate film music into something audiences remember just as vividly as the story itself.

“This movie, these scores and this music are certainly an American icon,” Wilson said.

At the center of that legacy is Williams, whose work has defined generations of moviegoing through soundtracks for films like “Jaws,” “Indiana Jones” and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” among others.

“These are some of the best scores for any film ever,” Wilson said. “The great thing about John Williams’ music is that it stands on its own. Even if the film wasn’t there, it’s absolutely worth hearing. You can kind of understand what’s happening even without the film. So it’s a level of film score composition that only a handful have reached.”

According to Newbrough, the festival is expected to have 17,000 audience members, with the “Star Wars” concert nearly sold out. 

“Generations have grown up with these themes and these storylines,” Newbrough said. “That means something very deep and personal to people. It’s something that is so part of our cultural vernacular that it’s a distinct honor and privilege for us to be able to present these films for adoring fans.” 

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Colorado Springs Philharmonic “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

WHERE: Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave. 

PRICE: $54-$126, csphilharmonic.org