Symphony show will feature themes from Harry Potter

By: Sabine Martin

On Sunday, Oct. 30 at 4 p.m., the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center will feel a little bit like the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as the WCF symphony will be performing a wide selection from the Harry Potter score by John Williams as well as other Halloween-inspired pieces.

The WCF symphony will play the music John Williams composed for the Harry Potter movies, and other selections of music, including an arrangement called “The Conjuring Wand” composed by Paul Alan Price-Brenner. The performance of the piece at the concert is the world premier.

“This year we are trying something new and presenting a piece composed especially for this concert by Paul Alan Price-Brenner, who was inspired by the Harry Potter films, Williams’ scores and the theme of magic and sorcery,” said Jason Weinberger, conductor of the WCF symphony.

Orchestra members realized how complicated the music on the program actually is to play.

“John Williams music from both Star Wars and Harry Potter is challenging to play. It is tough stuff, and he does a brilliant job of using the orchestra to paint scenes and to paint drama, but it’s technically and musically very demanding on the orchestra,” said Kathleen Sihler, principal violist of the WCF symphony.

Music scores in movies are meant to be there for a reason, to heighten the drama and enhance your experience.

“If you go back and watch some of those movies, or any movie, and you turn down the volume so you can’t hear the score, it’s really illuminating  to realize how much the music adds to your experience as a viewer. So it’s wonderful, even though we can’t show the films, I think people realize what a trigger the music is for their connection to the film, or their memory of the film and it’s easy to get carried away, which is a great experience,” Sihler said.

Harry Potter fans are looking forward for the concert with anticipation. “I really like Harry Potter and the music from it, and I’m also a huge fan of symphony music.” said Brian Stiers, the high school ambassador for the WCF symphony.

Before the magic is played on stage, there is a costume contest at 3 p.m. and other “Hogwartsian fun.” To find updates about the concert or other upcoming concerts, follow @hswcfsymphony (high school account) on Twitter or @wcfsymphony on all social media platforms.