Even in today’s world of endless sequels and re-imagining of films, it’s easy to forget that the Harry Potter film franchise was spread over eight films. The final book, The Deathly Hallows, was split into two films, and while that might be seen as a simple money grab, after viewing these two parts, I was happy they did it. The series took a rather dark turn and embraced that theme. Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2, the final film in the franchise, was dark in topic matter, mood, and overall feel. It might have made for tough viewing for some, but it was fertile ground for the music to help build all the tension and help pave the way for some truly inspiring and jaw-dropping scenes.
Recently, Toronto, Ontario, was home to the final part of the concert series, featuring the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Evan Mitchell. What makes these more modern concert series unique is that it attracts a diverse and eclectic mix of fans spanning all ages, and cheering and clapping during the show is encouraged. Conductor Mitchell invited the audience members to do so before the show began. The atmosphere was already electric, and fans were excited to watch the last installment of this series and be dazzled by the live music, all at the same time.
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It’s easy to get wrapped up in a film like this and forget where you are. However, there are many moments where a powerful scene is made even more poignant with a flurry of cellos, soaring lines by the violins, and well-placed moments by the percussion section. There was more than one occasion where my eyes left the screen and moved to the orchestra, dazzled by the power they exuded as a group.
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra and conductor Evan Mitchell were fine-tuned machines, giving warmth to scenes and depth to the darker moments that were truly amazing to hear.
The importance of concert series like this cannot be overstated in bringing a newer and younger audience into the world of live orchestral music. During the intermission, a family of five was in front of me waiting to grab some snacks; parents and three kids, young and old, were talking about how great the show was so far and how cool it was to see the film with live music.
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While the world of Harry Potter will live on in the books and movies, the interest in symphony music is a much harder sell. Needless to say, I was happy to hear this conversation.
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra brought the show, and the Harry Potter concert series, to an end with a powerful climax of sounds during the end credits, leaving the crowd standing, clapping, and cheering. It was a remarkable evening and a wonderful statement on the power of the Harry Potter franchise and the music that drives it.