The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra are once again honouring the incredible music of the ‘Harry Potter’ film franchise with another round of their film concert series – starting off where it all began: ‘Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone’.
By this point, 24 years later, it’s simply indisputable that John Williams’ contribution to the Wizarding World is just phenomenal. For ‘Philosopher’s Stone’, he was solely responsible for laying the story’s musical foundations: and he did so with twinkly celesta, harps, chimes and strings. . . Creating a swirling, dizzying and (most importantly) magical landscape which felt delightfully mystical, mysterious and dangerous, in equal measure.
Here, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra play it from beginning to end with sheer precision as the iconic film plays above them, for an adoring and sold-out audience.
Fans show up in droves, donning house colours and ‘HP’-adjacent costumes. It’s a thrilling and, honestly, emotional sight. The power of music to bring people together will always have a profound effect on this reviewer.
It’s such fun to watch talented musicians just doing their thing. Conductor Vanessa Scammell waves her magic wand (baton) with ease, as she puts not only her orchestra but the audience under her spell.
We watch as Harry’s eyes are opened to the magical world for the first time. . . As the golden trio encounter a three-headed dog. . . As the students of Hogwarts barrack for their favourite team at the Quidditch match. All of these moments (and more) underscored by emotive and emotional music.
The ‘Harry Potter’ films played live by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is a must for any ‘Harry Potter’ fan, any film fan, and any music fan. It’s a stunning celebration of creative talents which immerses you in a way that just watching the film couldn’t do.
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra once again reminds us of the force that is live music, and its palpable intensity when paired with the delightful escapism of ‘Harry Potter’.
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will present 'Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets In Concert' 10-13 June, 2026.
