Harry Potter Film Concert Series Takes Over Hollywood Bowl
By Ani Bundel
The Harry Potter Film Concert Series premiered last night to an enthusiastic crowd at the Hollywood Bowl, while yet more dates are added.
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The Harry Potter events this year at times feel endless. The two major dates, of course, are the release of the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child book on July 31st, the day after the play officially opens in London, and the November premiere of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. But last night was a third premiere of sorts, as a brand new traveling Harry Potter show opened in California.
The Harry Potter Film Concert Series was announced back in January, and has a string of dates across the country over the 2016-2017 season, The idea is to go and see a live orchestra provide the soundtrack to the Harry Potter movies, which then play over the live artists playing the score for you. Venues with dates for this show so far include St. Louis, Missouri from September 9-11, 2016 at Powell Hall, Pabst Theater Group in Milwaukee from Dec 16-17, 2016, Nashville from Jan. 6-7, 2017. Other orchestras that have confirmed they will be participating, but not when and where include the San Diego Symphony, Grand Rapids Pops and Symphony Silicon Valley.
Last night the premiere of this experience opened in Los Angeles, at the Hollywood Bowl. And from the looks of things, it was a huge hit.
OMG SO AMAZING! 20,000 witches and wizards @HollywoodBowl for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone with @LAPhil! pic.twitter.com/ZNgajvmu29
— Maxwell Glick (@maxwellglick) July 7, 2016
Though it was the hardcore fans who tweeted, word was that several Potterhead celebrities were quietly on hand to experience the fun for themselves, including singer Ariana Grande.
#HarryPotter at @HollywoodBowl. Summer in #LA is a glorious thing. pic.twitter.com/xwOsdRCBTs
— Lesley Goldberg (@Snoodit) July 7, 2016
It does not do to dwell on dreams...#finishthisline pic.twitter.com/aaZthWQPUG
— Hollywood Bowl (@HollywoodBowl) July 7, 2016
The performance also included behind the scenes tidbits in the program, such as the fact that Hedwig’s Theme was composed before Williams saw the movie, based entirely on the promotional image of the owl flying.
At the @HollywoodBowl for the #HarryPotter movie w live orchestra. Because...party. @kevinandbean @kroq pic.twitter.com/Uyxdt33NPY
— - (@thekevinryder) July 7, 2016
And with that, another venue has also announced they will be adding performances.
"Segerstrom Center for the Arts announced today that a live symphony will perform Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on November 11 – 13, 2016 as part of The Harry Potter Film Concert Series. The film concert will feature the live symphony orchestra performing, to picture, every note from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the film in high- definition on a 40-foot screen while hearing the orchestra perform John Williams’ unforgettable score.Tickets for the Harry Potter Film Concert Series start at $49 and go on sale Sunday, July 17 at 10 a.m. and will be available online at SCFTA.org, by calling (714) 556-2787 and at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa. For inquiries about group ticket savings for 10 or more, please call the Group Services office at (714) 755-0236."
Hopefully everyone will get to experience the magic of live music and Potter in one place.