#REVIEW: “HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE LIVE IN CONCERT”

Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong

Harry Potter’s symphonic saga continues with the Goblet of Fire. The bi-annual concert series has hit its halfway point, and was attended last night by friends, families and fans of all four Hogwarts Houses. Costumes adorned many in the audience, but whether in wizarding robes or muggle attire, all were enthusiastic throughout.

This is understandable as the Goblet of Fire is one of the most enjoyable movies in the eight-part series. Directed by Mike Newell, Goblet returns to the formula of the first film, mixing world building with character drama. It sees Harry, Ron and Hermione embarking on the next phase of their life. But whereas they were entering into Hogwarts in the Philosopher’s Stone, here we see them entering into adolescence. Lots of drama to say the least, and lots of excitement.

With all that said, the reason one sees this film at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts is because of the Orchestra. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra always is excellent, and although Goblet is the first film in the Series not composed by John Williams, Patrick Doyle’s Score is still noteworthy. His near ten-minute piece titled Voldemort is an outstanding accompaniment to Ralph Fiennes’ introductory performance of the character. Then there is the short, and beautifully poignant, Death of Cedric. Here is where the Orchestra shined most last night, just like those timeless performances on- screen. What an absolutely magical experience!

Tickets are still available through Saturday here.