By Emilie Minshew
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert is an exciting musical performance by The Utah Symphony at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City, Utah. This familiar score by Nicholas Hooper is best experienced with a live orchestra and is made much more incredible with the film projecting behind it. Both Potterheads and symphony-goers alike will love this concert experience as they watch the fifth installment of the Harry Potter film franchise accompanied by the live symphony.
The highly rated film first premiered in 2007 and follows the iconic trio of Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley during their fifth year at the magical wizarding school of Hogwarts. Things have changed for the trio as they are forced to deal with chaotic shifts in the school’s faculty due to the infiltration of dark forces. The students must band together and rise against the indisputably evil Professor Umbridge, played by Imelda Staunton. In fact, Staunton’s performance as the pink clad villain has made many audiences question the dark lord Voldemort’s rank as the ultimate Harry Potter villain. Watch as Harry and his friends as they work to save their school and defeat the death eaters. The film is rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images. So, while parents may want to leave younger children at home, this would be a great way to experience the symphony for older children and adults who may not otherwise consider it.
Led by conductor Justin Freer, the symphony is a delight. Each section of music beautifully accompanies the film and adds to the mood. I would say, though, this is a special experience for Potterheads especially as the audience is allowed to audibly react to the movie. Cheers and yells fill the walls of Abravanel Hall in cathartic enjoyment. Audience members boo and squirm each time Professor Umbridge’s sickly sweet theme is played throughout the course of the concert, the pizzicato pluck of the violins imitating her obnoxious tone of voice. The familiar incorporation of John Williams’ original score from the first movie elicits smiles all around. Bring your wands and your Hogwarts robes, and don’t miss this unique symphony experience.
Note: Upcoming features in the movies in concert series are Singin’ in the Rain in February, How to Train your Dragon in April, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in June.
The Utah Symphony Presents Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert.
Abravanel Hall, 123 W S Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
December 19th-21st, 2019, 7:00 PM
Tickets: $27.00-$102.00, reserved seating with limited availability
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert Facebook Event
Utah Symphony Facebook Page
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