Revisiting the first Harry Potter film is more than a little fascinating. Not only was it the first of eight movies in this global phenomenon, but, as it turns 25 later this year, a reminder of just how influential and far-reaching this series really is. With that said, it was a joy to take in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone live in concert here in Toronto this past weekend at the renowned Roy Thomson Hall, with a live orchestra driving the score and the audience enjoying every last minute.
Young Harry Potter’s life changes forever when, on his 11th birthday, he is invited to attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is suddenly thrown into a world of magic, wizards, and witches, and meets Ron and Hermione, who become lifelong friends. The first year of school reveals wonders and mysteries that are both fascinating and terrifying as Harry discovers his powers.
He also learns more about what happened to his parents and the dark cloud that still hangs over everything —“He Who Must Not Be Named.” It is a lot for both Harry and the audience to take in, but it’s a great introduction all the same.
Conductor Evan Mitchell, a veteran of these live concert events, set the stage early by encouraging the audience to cheer, laugh, and clap throughout their favorite parts of the film. Both the conductor and the orchestra feed off that energy, and it helps them push through what Mitchell described as a very difficult score to play.
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Composed by the timeless genius that is John Williams, the score is a mix of incredible speed and intricacy, and very tender, heartfelt moments. The orchestra, many of whom are also veterans of these shows, were up to the task, creating flurries of sound and waves of emotion that left the stage and washed over the audience.
Many in the audience were dressed as their favorite characters or had scarves and colors from their favorite houses. They were focused and engaged from the moment Evan Mitchell took the stage and welcomed everyone to an evening of magic and music. Harry Potter fans are as loyal as they come, with many quoting lines and cheering.
The environment was uplifting, and the action on the screen carried an emotional charge. The connection between the fans and the films is remarkable, and with a live orchestra helping to feed their love for this franchise, it created a huge amount of energy in the wondrous Roy Thomson Hall.
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Without question, the live orchestra adds a lot to these events, boosting the impact a film score can have on a movie. However, the connection between the music and the fans is truly remarkable to see. While the Harry Potter films are full of magic and wonder, and this first entry in the franchise is a great introduction to this universe, when you combine the film, live music, and fans together, it takes an already successful series like this and elevates it to another level.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was a time when the characters were still young and innocent, exploring their lives and the world of magic together for a wonderful experience. However, adding a live orchestra to a viewing truly takes the audience on a different kind of journey, and it was wonderful to see and hear that the connection between all three remained very much alive and thriving.
