Press Release from Sony Classical

The 40-year friendship between two musical titans, John Williams & Yo-Yo Ma, reaches a new peak with “A Gathering of Friends.”

The incredible warmth & brilliance of composer/conductor John Williams is felt throughout this album of both his concert music (a newly revised Cello Concerto) and his legendary film music, including a powerful new arrangement of the Theme from “Schindler’s List,” brought to life by Yo-Yo Ma and the world-renowned New York Philharmonic.

Another highlight from the John Williams film music catalog is Yo-Yo Ma’s performance of “With Malice Toward None,” an inviting and uplifting melody from the movie “Lincoln,” inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address.

Other featured artists & friends include the virtuoso Spanish guitarist Pablo Sáinz Villegas on a delicate cello/guitar arrangement of “A Prayer for Peace” from the movie “Munich,” and Boston Symphony Orchestra harpist Jessica Zhou on “Highwood’s Ghost.”

* Cello Concerto (2021 Revision) (28:43)
01. Cello Concerto (2021 Revision): I. Theme & Cadenza (10:26)
02. Cello Concerto (2021 Revision): II. Blues (3:23)
03. Cello Concerto (2021 Revision): III. Scherzo (4:42)
04. Cello Concerto (2021 Revision): IV. Song (10:12)

* Three Pieces from Schindler's List (15:15)
05. Three Pieces from Schindler's List: I. Theme (4:24)
06. Three Pieces from Schindler's List: II. Kraków Ghetto - Winter '41 (4:16)
07. Three Pieces from Schindler's List: III. Remembrances (6:35)
08. Highwood's Ghost (15:13)
09. With Malice Toward None from Lincoln (4:11)
10. A Prayer for Peace from Munich (4:32)