Photos: L.A. Philharmonic opening gala 2014: ‘A John Williams Celebration’

Gustavo Dudamel congratulates violinist Itzhak Perlman.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

John Williams takes the baton to conduct “Star Wars.” The evening was dedicated to Williams’ music.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Darth Vader and Imperial Stormtroopers make an appearance as John Williams conducts.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

An animated Gustavo Dudamel leads the orchestra.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Members of the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets perform the “Olympic Fanfare and Theme” with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

The Los Angeles Children Choir sings “Dry Your Tears Afrika.”  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Glenn Paulson, vibraphone, Michael Valerio, string bass, and Dan Higgins, alto saxophone, step to the front in “Escapades from Catch Me If You Can.”  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Gustavo Dudamel, right, applauds composer John Williams at the conclusion of the opening-night gala.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Guests dance during the post-concert dinner and social.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Julie Andrews chats with violinist Itzhak Perlman at the post-concert dinner.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Composers John Adams, left, and John Williams exchange pleasantries.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

L.A. Philharmonic board president Deborah Borda, left, and actress Anjelica Huston pose for a picture.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Gustavo Dudamel smiles for a photo between film composer John Williams, left, and violinist Itzhak Perlman.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Composer John Williams, left, chats with violinist Itzhak Perlman.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Julie Andrews has a party hat placed on her head in honor of her birthday, which was the day after the gala dinner.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)