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.”

1 * Cello Concerto (2021 Revision) 28:43
2 Cello Concerto (2021 Revision): I. Theme & Cadenza 10:26
3 Cello Concerto (2021 Revision): II. Blues 3:23
4 Cello Concerto (2021 Revision): III. Scherzo 4:42
5 Cello Concerto (2021 Revision): IV. Song 10:12
6 * Three Pieces from Schindler's List
7 Three Pieces from Schindler's List: I. Theme 4:24
8 Three Pieces from Schindler's List: II. Kraków Ghetto - Winter '41 4:16
9 Three Pieces from Schindler's List: III. Remembrances 6:35
10 * Highwood's Ghost
11 Highwood's Ghost 15:13
12 * with Malice Toward None from Lincoln
13 With Malice Toward None from Lincoln 4:11
14 * a Prayer for Peace from Munich
15 A Prayer for Peace from Munich 4:32