PREVIEW: The Music of Hans Zimmer vs. John Williams - celebrating movie magic at Edinburgh's Usher Hall

FROM Batman Begins to Star Wars – blockbuster movie scores don’t come more magical than the works of Hans Zimmer and John Williams.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

But which one is the greatest movie composer?

Are you Team Zimmer or Team Williams?

Not sure? Then get your tickets for an epic night to hear their greatest works performed head to head in an incredible orchestra show heading this way called The Music of Hans Zimmer vs. John Williams.

It features their orchestral works, loved by millions of film fans around the world, from movies including E.T., Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Batman Begins, Star Wars, The Lion King, Saving Private Ryan, Da Vinci Code, Pearl Harbour and Top Gun

The concert promises a stirring end to the year when it plays The Usher Hall in Edinburgh on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 7.30pm.

BUY TICKETS: Tickets, which make great Christmas presents for the film lover in your life, are available now with prices from £21.49 to £51, may be subject to booking fees - visit www.usherhall.co.uk

Epic scores will be performed alongside a stunning choir, set to a mesmerising laser show.

Movie music masters Hans Zimmer and John WilliamsMovie music masters Hans Zimmer and John Williams
Movie music masters Hans Zimmer and John Williams

Promoted by Raymond Gubbay the touring concert has already been seen by more than 125,000 people across the UK and is now returning to Edinburgh.

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, accompanied by Royal Scottish National Chorus, will be conducted by Michael Bawtree.

In the world of film music, composers Hans Zimmer and John Williams stand out.

German born Hans Zimmer, aged 66, who has won two Oscars and four Grammys, often uses modern synthesisers and samples, plus live instruments, from electric guitars to strings and brass, to create a unique and dynamic sound.

The Music of Zimmer vs WilliamsThe Music of Zimmer vs Williams
The Music of Zimmer vs Williams

American composer John Williams, still composing aged 91, uses a full orchestra for lush, sweeping scores. In a seven decades career he has five Academy Awards – with 53 Oscar nominations, the second most-nominated individual ever, after Walt Disney. He has 25 Grammy Awards, seven BAFTAs and four Golden Globe Awards.

Between them they have composed some of the most popular, recognisable and critically acclaimed film scores in cinematic history and their works have become iconic in their own right.

Hans Zimmer's music tends to be dark and brooding. He is highly acclaimed for his work on films such as Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, The Dark Knight, Gladiator and Inception.

John Williams has created immersive, emotionally charged soundtracks on blockbusters like Star Wars, E.T., and Jurassic Park. His music tends to be romantic, with soaring melodies, heart-pounding action sequences and his signature use of brass and strings.

No matter which composer you prefer, there's no denying that Hans Zimmer and John Williams have brought some of the most timeless film scores to the big screen and their works will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.