Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra

The KSO announced Wednesday it has signed another three-year agreement with Disney to exclusively present the live symphonic performances of the Star Wars Trilogy in Southwest Michigan.

(Courtesy KSO)

KALAMAZOO, MI -- The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra will add performances of scores from three 'Star Wars' movies to its lineup starting later this year.

The KSO announced Wednesday it has signed another three-year agreement with Disney to exclusively present the live symphonic performances in Southwest Michigan. The performances will begin in the KSO's 2017-18 season with Star Wars Episode IV, A New Hope, which will be performed Oct. 12 and 13, on the 40th anniversary of the original release of the movie in 1977.

Star Wars Episode V, The Empire Strikes Back, will be performed during the 2018-19 concert season, and Star Ward Episode VI, Return of the Jedi will be performed in the 2019-2020 concert season.

"We are extremely thrilled to have landed this exclusive agreement," said Peter H. Gistelinck, president & CEO of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. "Our new three-year agreement with Disney means a lot and it will be an additional treat for audiences in the Kalamazoo community to discover the original Star Wars trilogy and the KSO in a completely different way."

The Star Wars deal follows the announcement that KSO landed deals for three Steven Spielberg movies starting with Jaws in the 2018-2019 concert season, E.T. in 2019-2020 and Jurassic Park in 2020-2021, the KSO's 100th season. The KSO also has a multiyear alliance with Disney, which they signed in 2015.

"This is an amazing artistic opportunity and our orchestra can't wait to start the rehearsals for what promises to be unique, multidimensional concert experiences of these three iconic Star Wars movies," Daniel Brier, KSO resident conductor said.

For ticket and schedule information, visit kalamazoosymphony.com.