Magic of Harry Potter film scores to be conjured up in full orchestral glory in Abu Dhabi
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The wizarding world of Hogwarts will be brought to life through the medium of music this September, when the Harry Potter Film Concert Series arrives at Etihad Arena, Yas Island.Abu Dhabi is set to stage two epic soundtracks from the film franchise – Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Concert on September 6, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert on September 7.The shows will include the complete movie projected in high definition on a 40-foot screen, with John Williams' Grammy-nominated scores performed live to picture by the acclaimed Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, all in precise synchronisation.Speaking to Aletihad, Justin Freer, President of CineConcerts and the producer/conductor of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, described the challenge and thrill of conducting live to film."One of the main differences is strict adherence to time, or tempo, when conducting music live to film. The music is intended to hit certain moments and cuts, and those are not up for interpretation," he explained."If 'Hedwig's Theme' is intended to start when Hedwig starts to fly, then it must match the original intention or placement. It is a great challenge to keep it all together over the course of several hours, but always so much fun."Freer also offered a lighthearted glimpse his personal rituals before a show.
"My preparation, at least before the show, is really quite simple: eat nuts, bananas, anchovies, chocolate along with a lot of water - and all good!"
Still, he emphasised that true preparation lies in deep familiarity with the music"I feel it is important that any conductor should live and breathe whatever music they intend to conduct."Freer believes the lasting emotional connection to the Harry Potter scores lies in both the storytelling and the universal themes the music captures."The stories and characters reflected in the Harry Potter films, I feel, are timeless. The music of John Williams is also quite timeless. We all understand joy, fear, a sense of wonder. These emotions are reflected so beautifully in the music."One of Freer's favourite moments in the shows is the mirror scene from "The Philosopher's Stone". "There is a poignant sense of loneliness as well as curiosity when Harry sees his parents next to him, and John Williams' music here is perfectly composed for those emotions," he said."I do also get quite excited during the Quidditch scene from 'Chamber of Secrets'!"
Freer praised Abu Dhabi as an ideal host for such a global cinematic and musical experience.
"I find Abu Dhabi to be a striking city which reflects both a beautiful history as well as looking towards the future," he said.
"Celebrating some of the most well-known modern art, in this case through film and music, feels like a natural fit with all that's going on in the city. I hope that we can celebrate more of this art form in Abu Dhabi in the years to come."
Freer hopes the shows will leave a lasting impression on the audience.
"I hope that all patrons, regardless of experience in the concert hall or with live-to-film concerts, take away a stronger appreciation for the power of great music set to picture.
"The feelings that come from a great marriage of music and film are often inexplicable. These concerts are truly a see-it-to-believe-it experience," he concluded.
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20 July 2025 23:06 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The wizarding world of Hogwarts will be brought to life through the medium of music this September, when the Harry Potter Film Concert Series arrives at Etihad Arena, Yas Dhabi is set to stage two epic soundtracks from the film franchise – Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Concert on September 6, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert on September shows will include the complete movie projected in high definition on a 40-foot screen, with John Williams' Grammy-nominated scores performed live to picture by the acclaimed Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, all in precise to Aletihad, Justin Freer, President of CineConcerts and the producer/conductor of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, described the challenge and thrill of conducting live to film."One of the main differences is strict adherence to time, or tempo, when conducting music live to film. The music is intended to hit certain moments and cuts, and those are not up for interpretation," he explained."If 'Hedwig's Theme' is intended to start when Hedwig starts to fly, then it must match the original intention or placement. It is a great challenge to keep it all together over the course of several hours, but always so much fun."Freer also offered a lighthearted glimpse his personal rituals before a show. "My preparation, at least before the show, is really quite simple: eat nuts, bananas, anchovies, chocolate along with a lot of water - and all good!" Still, he emphasised that true preparation lies in deep familiarity with the music"I feel it is important that any conductor should live and breathe whatever music they intend to conduct."Freer believes the lasting emotional connection to the Harry Potter scores lies in both the storytelling and the universal themes the music captures."The stories and characters reflected in the Harry Potter films, I feel, are timeless. The music of John Williams is also quite timeless. We all understand joy, fear, a sense of wonder. These emotions are reflected so beautifully in the music."One of Freer's favourite moments in the shows is the mirror scene from "The Philosopher's Stone". "There is a poignant sense of loneliness as well as curiosity when Harry sees his parents next to him, and John Williams' music here is perfectly composed for those emotions," he said."I do also get quite excited during the Quidditch scene from 'Chamber of Secrets'!" Freer praised Abu Dhabi as an ideal host for such a global cinematic and musical experience. "I find Abu Dhabi to be a striking city which reflects both a beautiful history as well as looking towards the future," he said. "Celebrating some of the most well-known modern art, in this case through film and music, feels like a natural fit with all that's going on in the city. I hope that we can celebrate more of this art form in Abu Dhabi in the years to come." Freer hopes the shows will leave a lasting impression on the audience. "I hope that all patrons, regardless of experience in the concert hall or with live-to-film concerts, take away a stronger appreciation for the power of great music set to picture. "The feelings that come from a great marriage of music and film are often inexplicable. These concerts are truly a see-it-to-believe-it experience," he concluded.
