#FIRSTLOOK: “HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE IN CONCERT”

By Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

Twenty years ago, the world was introduced to Harry, Ron, Hermoine and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Five years later Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson gave those characters life in the Chris Columbus-directed Movie Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone. On June 27th through 29th, you will have the rare opportunity to see this wonderful Movie on the big screen with an orchestra performing the score live at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts.

As a devoted Potterhead and proud Slytherin, you can imagine how excited I was to hear that the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts and Attila Glatz Concert Productions were bringing Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone in Concert to Toronto and had engaged the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Women’s Chorus from Amadeus Choir and the Elmer Iseler Singers to perform the score on-stage. Fans will feel chills as the first haunting notes of Hedwig’s Theme fill the Sony Centre and we finally meet baby Harry for the first time.

While searching for my missing letter from Hogwarts, I was lucky enough to catch the TSO rehearsing with conductor Justin Freer and was amazed at true magic created by the live orchestra. Freer’s familiarity with the score was on display as he guided the orchestra and brought John Williams’ Oscar-nominated score to life.

Tickets have sold out for Tuesday night’s performance and limited seats are available for Wednesday but the good news is that Sony Centre for the Performing Arts and Attila Glatz Concert Productions just added a THIRD night and great seats are still available at the link below for Thursday. Whether you’re a Potterhead or simply a fan of the TSO, don’t miss your opportunity to attend Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone in Concert.

Great news Potterheads who like to plan ahead, The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts and Attila Glatz Concert Productions will be returning in October with performances of the second movie in the franchise, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

More on tickets here.

(Photo credit: Siobhán Rich)