Magical Music of Harry Potter coming to Midlands

For one afternoon, nostalgia and the familiar sounds from a beloved series of books and movies will fill a Midlands theater for a magical musical event.

The S.C. Philharmonic will perform scores from Harry Potter films for the “Magical Music of Harry Potter,” set for 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College.

The Philharmonic, led by Morihiko Nakahara, will perform selections from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” and “Harry Potter and the Prince of Azkaban” from composer John Williams. Williams has created scores for about 80 films, including “Star Wars,” “Jaws” and “Indiana Jones.”

“What most of us may not know is that each character in the beloved series had their own instruments and melodies assigned to them by composer John Williams,” said Katie Fox, Harbison Theatre executive director.

Cautious about giving away too many details, Fox said Harbison Theatre will transform into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry’s Grand Hall for the day. The decor for the theater will include 200 LED candles suspended from the ceiling, banners for each of the houses at Hogwarts, and portraits of Professor Albus Dumbledore and the Fat Lady.

The entrance to the theater will have decorations reminiscent of Platform 9 3/4, where Harry and his schoolmates would ride the Hogwarts Express to school, and staff will be dressed as train conductors.

Fox also is encouraging anyone coming to the family-friendly event to dress up in Harry Potter regalia, such as wearing colors from each of Hogwarts’ houses.

“We would love to see people of all ages there in their Harry Potter costumes,” she said.

Fox, a fan of the series herself, said Harry Potter appeals to all ages, from children who just discovered the books to people, now in their 20s and 30s, who were growing up when the books were first published.

“Those who grew up, literally, with Harry Potter, are now adults, and that is perfectly fine. The music is wonderful whether you’re a child or adult,” she said. “We chose this because the artistry is fantastic and the performers are fantastic. It’s a story that resonates with people of all ages.”

“The Magical Music of Harry Potter” is the S.C. Philharmonic’s first performance at Harbison Theatre of the 2015-16 season. The group will perform again this month “The Great American Songbook” for the theater’s Pops Series on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Fox said tickets are going fast, with the theater seating 400 people, so people are encouraged to purchase them soon.

Fox said she personally wanted to see this performance come to Harbison Theatre and expects a fun experience for anyone attending.

“It’s a fan dream come true,” she said. “I’m very excited and can’t wait to be surrounded by people just as excited as I am.”

This story was originally published October 6, 2015 at 6:26 PM.