the mommy avenger

In almost any other year, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone would have easily won the Academy Award for “Best Original Score.” However, in 2001, it faced the formidable challenge of competing against Howard Shore’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, an undisputed masterpiece. 

Fortunately, John Williams, with his record-breaking 53 nominations, has received ample recognition throughout his career. Still, among modern composers, few have created themes as universally recognizable as Williams’ leitmotifs for Hedwig, Hogwarts, and the magical world brought to life by J.K. Rowling. These iconic themes have transcended the original film series, echoing through the *Fantastic Beasts* franchise, video games, and countless adaptations and parodies.  

Returning to Marian Anderson Hall to experience the Philadelphia Orchestra perform *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone* in concert, I was curious: how would they approach such a well-known score? The orchestra’s technical brilliance was a given, but I wondered if they would simply replicate the original soundtrack or reinterpret it to spotlight fresh dimensions of the music. Sitting in anticipation, I was eager to find out.  

The evening’s performance was conducted by Anthony Panther, a seasoned musician who has served as John Williams’ contrabassoonist for over two decades. Before the concert began, Panther charmed the audience with humorous anecdotes and fascinating insights concerning working with John Williams, setting an inviting, light tone for the evening.  

In live film-concert performances, the orchestra must synchronize their timing precisely with the film to align with its dramatic beats. Yet, this necessity did not hinder the Philadelphia Orchestra from elevating the score to new heights.  

Their interpretation was more haunting, intense, and thrilling than the original soundtrack. While the superb acoustics of the hall undoubtedly amplified the experience, the orchestra’s artistry was the true standout. They infused the whimsical scenes—such as Diagon Alley and Hogwarts—with a buoyant energy, while the violins brought a sharp, chilling edge to the darker moments. Most striking, however, was the depth and force of the bass and percussion, which resonated powerfully throughout the performance.  

Of all the live film-concert performances I have attended, this rendition of *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone* was the most impactful, enhancing the movie experience beyond any prior comparison. The orchestra played with an evident love for the score and the story, infusing the sweeping melodies with additional warmth and injecting more joy into the lighthearted moments.  

Attending the Philadelphia Orchestra is always a worthwhile endeavor, and this particular evening was a testament to their ability to transform an event into an unforgettable experience. For families, performances like this—where the orchestra accompanies a film—offer a wonderful way to introduce children (ages eight and older) to the beauty and power of live classical music.  

For tickets and more information on upcoming performances, visit them online.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}