MORE than two decades since 'The Boy Who Lived' first cast his spell on our screens, the magic remains ever potent.
And who should we thank for this enduring enchantment? None other than John Williams and his masterful compositions for the Harry Potter series.
As soon as those opening notes of Hedwig's Theme play in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001), we're floating away to Hogwarts faster than you can say "Wingardium Leviosar!".
The delightful dance of strings and the haunting solo celesta (a small instrument that's played like a piano but has a light, bell-like sound) effortlessly sweep us into a world where magic is always just a note away.
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and CineConcerts created the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, the only official global concert tour celebrating the Harry Potter films.
Since the world premiere of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Concert' in 2016, more than 3 million fans have enjoyed this magical experience from The Wizarding World, which is scheduled to include over 2,973 performances across more than 48 countries worldwide through 2025.
Hedwig's Theme, composed by the iconic Williams, resonates across all seven Harry Potter films, standing as one of cinema's most recognisable themes.
What's more, the soundtrack for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone received a nomination for Best Original Score at the 74th Academy Awards.
The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) recently brought the magic of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to life in a captivating concert as part of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series.
Gerard Salonga conducted the MPO, performing every note of John Williams' unforgettable score live, in perfect sync with the film.
The audience, filling the hall to capacity, relived the enchantment of the entire movie in high-definition on a 40-foot screen, with the live music adding a spellbinding dimension to the beloved story.
"There's so much magic. And for us — of course — the greatest piece of magic is the beautiful score by none other than John Williams," said Salonga to a cheering crowd.
Salonga, the resident conductor of the MPO since January 2019, has wielded his baton over a spectacular array of performances, including symphony, ballet, opera, pops, family and film concerts.
His impressive repertoire features iconic films such as Harry Potter, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Ratatouille, as well as several Disney concerts.
MUSIC MAGIC
It felt like a night at the movies — with a twist. We watched the film on a large screen while a live symphony orchestra played the score. Instead of prerecorded tracks, the orchestra performed the music live. It was a two-in-one experience: both a classical concert and a cinematic adventure.
The seamless orchestral synchronisation with the movie itself is a remarkable achievement.
It showcases the orchestra's skill, especially considering that the original soundtracks were pieced together in short sessions with breaks in between.
Precision is paramount: Conductors must intimately know every detail of a film's soundtrack, syncing each musical phrase and note precisely.
Under Salonga's direction, the MPO excelled at seamlessly synchronising with the film, creating a "feast of highlights" for film buffs, music enthusiasts or anyone who appreciates both art forms.
"Cheer loudly, laugh heartily, and if you shed a tear... maybe not too loudly.
Smile often and perhaps even sneer at some of the familiar moments on screen!" the affable conductor playfully encouraged.
And that, we did. Cheers, applause, and laughter filled the hall as the soaring music whisked us away to Hogwarts.
That evening, the magic unfolded through the dedicated musicians who played with unwavering passion throughout the entire film.
It became clear to me how movie magic and music intertwine flawlessly, enriching storytelling with melodies that stir emotions and etch indelible moments into the essence of cinema.