Boston Pops Gets New Conductor

John Williams, composer of the music to "Star Wars" and "Jaws" and winner of three Academy Awards in his field, has been named as the new conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, filling the vacancy created by Arthur Fiedler's death last July.

After a six-month search, Seiji Ozawa, musical director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and William Morris, general manager of the BSO, chose Williams from a distingished group of conductors. Morris announced the appointment yesterday.

Archie C. Epps III, trustee of the BSO and dean of students, said yesterday, "I think Williams was a dark horse, but there was always a feeling that he had strong musical leadership. We were never even sure that he would be interested in the position."

Williams signed the two-year contract on Thursday in London, where he is currently recording the score of "The Empire Strikes Back," the sequel to "Star Wars." Williams, 47, is the 19th conductor in the 95-year history of the Pops.

"We are delighted that Mr. Williams has accepted our invitation," Morris said. "It brings a dynamic blend of conducting and composing talents to our orchestra. We've said all along that the person we wanted should be someone who would direct the future of the Pops with great creativity and energy. We believe that Mr. Williams is the ideal choice."

Williams plans to compose works specifically for the Pops and will continue to compose film music as time permits. "This appointment marks the beginning of a new era for the Pops." Ozawa said yesterday. "John Williams is very talented."

The new conductor's film credits include "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "The Towering Inferno." "The Fury," "Superman," "Jane Eyre," and "Dracula." Williams also has composed many classical works.

Williams, who guest conducted the Pops twice last May, is scheduled to rehearse the orchestra in Boston on Jan.21, the day before a scheduled Carnegie Hall appearance by the Pops. Williams and the orchestra begin a three-month tour of the midwest on April 29, which includes engagements in Detroit and Chicago.

Harry E. Dickson, assistant conductor of the Pops for 26 years, has been given the title of associate conductor, an appointment which Epps described as "a fitting tribute to his many years with the symphony."

Williams, who studied at the University of California at Los Angeles and the Julliard School of Music, has conducted orchestras in London, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and at the Hollywood Bowl. He will conduct the regular Pops season in Symphony Hall at Tanglewood and at the Eplanade on the banks of the Charles