MEET CONDUCTOR JOHN BEAL
Guiding the Des Moines Symphony through The Goonies in Concert is internationally renowned conductor John Beal, a pioneer in the world of live-to-film concerts.
Beal’s love for film music was sparked in childhood, growing up in a household filled with classical recordings from the 1930s through the 1950s, carefully curated by his father and grandfather—an RCA executive during the golden age of broadcast and recording innovation. His early exposure to restored silent films with live organ accompaniment cemented his fascination with the marriage of music and cinema.
The Goonies: An Interview with Conductor John Beal
For four decades, The Goonies has been beloved for the values it presents on the screen. It has captured hearts with the tales of friendships, courage, and treasure hunting fun.
For Beal, conducting The Goonies is more than just a job—it’s a chance to bring fresh energy to a beloved story. He shares his enthusiasm about conducting this film below:
“The Goonies is one of those films with a terrific following, even four decades later,” he shares. “The live music brings so much more excitement to the experience—it’s a lot of fun for all of us.”
Let’s be honest—who doesn’t get chills when you hear that iconic line: “Goonies never say die!”
The Goonies in Concert
Our films-in-concert have become a popular hit among the audience, as it's one of the most exciting ways to enjoy movies! With the Orchestra performing live, you’ll hear every note in brilliant detail, turning familiar scenes into something new and unforgettable.
This isn’t just watching a movie—it’s stepping into it. You’ll feel the tension, the laughter, and the wonder of the treasure hunt with even more intensity. Most definitely worth your while!
Relying on a precise system to synchronise with the film is no easy task, and Beal is up for the challenge to bring this masterpiece to life.
We asked Beal "How does the orchestra prepare to synchronize with the timing of the film?"
“We use numerous streamers—lines traveling across the screen—so the conductor can hit everything exactly with the orchestra and stay in sync,” Beal explains. “One tricky action sequence has the percussion and keyboards racing to hit cues while we’re in a pretty fast tempo.”
Performing film music is unlike a traditional symphonic concert.
“This is almost a completely different art form,” Beal notes. “Where a symphony has freedom to interpret tempo and emotion, here we’re trying to exactly recreate what was recorded when the film score was made. I have to chase what the conductor did years ago, and the orchestra has to replicate the dynamics note-for-note.
Why do concerts like this resonate so deeply today?
“We have a hundred-year history of music accompanying film, from piano to big theater organs to full orchestras,” Beal reflects. “For many, this is the first time they’ve ever heard a live orchestra. After concerts, people come to me with tears in their eyes, or children tell me they’ve found the one thing they want to explore in their lives. There’s truly no experience like it.”
Beal has already conducted Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and other beloved blockbusters—but every opportunity brings joy.
“The more I get to do, the happier I am.”
And his return to the Des Moines Symphony feels especially meaningful:
“This is my seventh weekend with them, and they are like family to me. It means the world that they invite me back each time—it’s one of my favorite American orchestras.”
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the film for the first time, The Goonies in Concert is the perfect way to celebrate this milestone anniversary. Gather your crew, grab your treasure maps, and prepare for a night where music, nostalgia, and adventure collide.
Because remember… Goonies never say die!
