The Hartford Symphony Orchestra has responded to popular demand by adding a third concert to its April series of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert.” The shows will be presented on April 13 at 7 p.m. and April 14 and 15 at 1 p.m.
The expanding of the series echoes this year’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone In Concert,” which was originally scheduled as two concerts and was expanded to three in response to booming ticket sales.
The “Harry Potter in Concert” shows are live performances of the entire John Williams soundtracks to the blockbuster movies given as the films play on a 40-foot, high-definition screen.
“The audience response was really wonderful,” says symphony Executive Director Steve Collins. “I think people really respond to the impact of a live orchestra bringing the soundtrack to life. They realize how vibrant and intricate and powerful the music is when they hear it in that format. It brings new life to the movie. It shows how empty the movie would be without it.”
In addition to being HSO executive director, Collins performs percussion with the symphony. He said several moments were clear audience favorites.
“When Harry first appears in the movie, when he first comes on screen, everybody cheers,” Collins says. “Another great moment is the Quidditch tournament. That’s a big action scene with vivid, fast, crazy music.
“What was interesting and gratifying, though, was that the biggest applause for the entire performance is at the end of the movie, over the credits. They applaud the orchestra. It was really great,” he says.
Cheshire native John Jesensky conducted the three “Sorcerer’s Stone” concerts. Collins says it is too early to tell if Jesensky will return for “Chamber of Secrets.”
Tickets are on sale now at hartfordsymphony.org and at 860-987-5900. Tickets range from $45.50 to $85.50.
Editor’s note: This story has been edited to correct the dates of the concerts, and has been updated to add the third concert.
