Harry Potter fans eager for upcoming film concert

Just like any other part of the world, SMIC School International has a special spot for the Harry Potter series. Quite literally, Erica Chen (10A) recalled that “we had a Harry Potter secret club…called ‘Deathly Hallows’, and we used invisible ink to write on the school wall. The secret code to enter was ‘Gryffindor’”.

2017 is a special year for HP fans–––it is the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter series. To celebrate, a Harry Potter Film Concert is coming to China for the very first time.

On October 24th to 26th, “Orchestra Italiana del Cinema” (OIC), Italian Film Symphony Orchestra, will perform the Harry Potter film theme songs in Shanghai Culture Square. The OIC’s unique blend between classical symphonies and modern film scores not only made it nationally renown in Italy, but also internationally recognized. In specifically China, the OIC has performed on CCTV before.

This October, the OIC will play various Harry Potter movies scenes with its top quality orchestra as the movie soundtrack. Music pieces include “The Quidditch Match”, “Harry’s Wondrous World”, and of course “Hedwig’s Theme”, the overarching music that connects all seven movies of Harry Potter and even extends to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

The original composer, John Williams, has orchestrated with a few hidden specialties in mind. The main solo tune is played by the celeste, a small keyboard instrument that gives ethereal bell-like sounds. The unusual instrument enhances mystery, and also creates an unconscious association with childhood fantasies because it is also used in multiple children’s works such as The Nutcracker. The OIC, with its creativity and musical expertise, will definitely not undermine John William’s masterpiece.

All in all, OIC’s Harry Potter Film Concert coming to Shanghai is a true blessing and unmissable opportunity for all Harry Potter fans out there!

Photo Courtesy of Marilyn Ben