Image via Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Don’t miss the magic, Birmingham. Don your wizard’s robes, rep your house, and get tickets to “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert” on April 12 and 13. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will perform John Williams’ unforgettable score as the movie plays on the big screen at the Samford University Wright Center. Tickets start at $29 for both performances, Friday 7PM and Saturday 2PM.

Bham Now caught up with Christopher Confessore, resident conductor and principal POPS! conductor at Alabama Symphony Orchestra, to find out what to expect at the concert.

A Singular Movie-Watching Experience



Normally, when you watch a movie, the sound is mixed so that the score fades into the background during dialogue. Then it ramps up for big moments. “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert” will be a different movie-watching experience entirely.

“Instead you’ll have a gigantic orchestra on stage playing every note of the score live as the film plays. It really brings the music to the forefront.” Christopher Confessore

For that reason, the movie will include subtitles to help you follow along, though the dialogue will play through the speakers, too.

Chris Confessore, resident conductor and principal POPS! conductor at Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Photo via ASO

This will be the second time Birmingham’s beloved orchestra has taken on a Harry Potter movie in the ASO SuperPOPS! series. Last year, it performed the score for the first movie, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

Past ASO film-symphony duos also include “The Wizard of Oz,” Charlie Chaplin’s “City Lights” and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” for Halloween.



How Many Notes in that Bar, Again?

John Williams is the composer behind not only the Harry Potter series, but also the Star Wars series, “E.T.” and “Jaws” among many others.

From beginning to end, Williams’ musical score for “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert” is one of the most challenging the symphony will play all season long, according to Confessore. That includes the classic Masterworks. “There are just so many notes written,” he said.



Dress Up Time

I’m not saying you have to wear your Hogwarts uniform to “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert,” but it’ll definitely be more fun.

“You’ll be in an auditorium filled with people who love Harry Potter films and the music of John Williams as much as you do. And many of them will be dressed up in costume. That adds a whole other element to the festive atmosphere.” Confessore

The costume fun at “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert” is for all ages, but for fans with an early bedtime, good news. The Saturday show is a matinee this year.

Details

Alabama Symphony Orchestra performs “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert” at the Wright Center on Friday, April 12, at 7PM and on Saturday, April 13, at 2PM. Get tickets starting at $29 online or by calling the box office at 205-975-2787. Find the Wright Center on Samford University’s campus at 800 Lakeshore Drive, Homewood, Alabama 35209.

More April Symphony Performances

Did you know that Alabama Symphony Orchestra is the state’s only full-time professional orchestra? It’s based right here in Birmingham! Check out three more ASO events happening in the Magic City in April 2019.

The Icon: Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony: Friday and Saturday, April 5-6, 7PM, tickets $24+, UAB’s Alys Stephens Center Jemison Concert Hall

Friday and Saturday, April 5-6, 7PM, tickets $24+, UAB’s Alys Stephens Center Jemison Concert Hall The Pastoral: Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony: Friday, April 19, 11AM, tickets $19+, UAB’s Alys Stephens Center Jemison Concert Hall

Friday, April 19, 11AM, tickets $19+, UAB’s Alys Stephens Center Jemison Concert Hall Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Recomposed: Friday and Saturday, April 19-20, 7PM, tickets $24+, UAB’s Alys Stephens Center Jemison Concert Hall

Friday and Saturday, April 19-20, 7PM, tickets $24+, UAB’s Alys Stephens Center Jemison Concert Hall A Bohemian Spring: Smetana, Schumann & Brahms: Tuesday, April 23, 7:30PM, tickets $29, Samford University Brock Recital Hall