Tickets are selling very quickly for "Symphonic Star Wars", a concert featuring The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony Chorus Sept. 23 and 24 at Popejoy Hall on the University of New Mexico campus.


The concerts, conducted by Byron Herrington, will feature music from all six Star Wars films. Also, these concerts will include many space opera touches, including a multimedia show, dancers and fans in costume.


While director/writer/producer George Lucas' multigenerational, interstellar epic has gained multiple generations of fans since the first of the films premiered in 1977, composer John Williams' scores for these films are equally as beloved, and as closely identified to by Star Wars fans as Darth Vader, lightsabers or action figures.


These concerts are expected to be as successful for the Symphony as 2004's Lord of the Rings Symphony concerts, which featured Howard Shore's award-winning music to Peter Jackson's films. Also, this is only the first event in the Symphony's 2005-2006 season to feature the music of Williams, as a John Williams Spectacular will be part of the Symphony's Pops Series in a Nov. 5 concert.


Tickets can be purchased at Albuquerque-area Tickets.com outlets (including the UNM Bookstore box office, the Lobo box office at the Pit and Raley's supermarkets), NMSO.org online, by calling (505) 881-8999 or at the Symphony Store at 4407 Menaul NE (at Washington) in Albuquerque. Tickets are priced at $15, $25, $30, $37 and $45.


The concerts will also feature the troopers of the Mos Alba FanForce and the Dewback Ridge Squadron, Mountain Garrison of the 501st Legion. Other fans in attendance are encouraged to wear their costumes as well!


Many tickets have already been sold and demand is high for this special event. We anticipate it will sell out well in advance.


For more information, visit www.NMSO.org or call 505-881-8999.