Breathing new life and excitement into the Harry Potter series, hearing the music life in accompaniment to the films is an experience not to forget quickly.
The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra returns to the Royal Albert Hall with the sixth instalment of the Harry Potter Film Concert series. The conductor’s opening speech is met with cheers for the Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws and boos for the Slytherin (my cheers for my house were drowned out in hisses). The scene is set, we’re all Potterheads and we’re all here for the concert of the year.
The Friday performance was especially lucky to be blessed with (or perhaps we all took Felix Felicis) the attendance of the composer of this fantastic score, Nicholas Hooper. If this didn’t make the orchestra put their extra oomph into the music I don’t know what would have. Each note was hit with complete perfection and accompanied the film (only playing dialogue and sound effects in the background) perfectly. As my 8 year old cousin who served as my gallant date said ‘You forget they are there, but in the best way!’. And right he was, the orchestra blends into the background as we immerse ourselves in the dramatic plot and only every so often as you drag your eyes away from the screen do you remember this is all live and completely breathtaking.
The skill of the orchestra and accompanying choir is undeniable and nothing can beat hearing that iconic theme tune at the beginning live. Also several iconic tunes such as ‘Wizard Wheezes, the Weasley Stomp and Ron’s Victory’ were just uplifting in the Royal Albert Hall – the venue perfectly amplifying the music. If I didn’t think Hooper was a Weasley fan after hearing those three played live, and practically dedicated to the Weasley family, I couldn’t deny it now…
It was an absolutely spellbinding evening and a real treat to a lover of the Harry Potter series who is always looking for new ways to experience the world. I’ll be keeping a close eye out for their return with Part 1 and Part 2 of the Deathly Hallows.