Harry Potter Concert Series

My husband and I attended this event for my birthday. I am a huge HP fan and couldn't miss the opportunity to watch the film with a live orchestra. I loved it! The conductor encouraged the audience to participate while watching the film, so there were many cheers and hisses as our favorite characters or foes came on screen. I often had to remind myself to watch the orchestra instead of the film, since that was what I had come for. My husband found it distracting and ended up just watching the film the whole time which was kind of beside the point of going to the symphony. I recommend this event with the caveat that you should pay attention to the orchestra if you don't want to just feel like you've paid $$ to watch an old HP film.

It was amazing - I loved it. The music was wonderful. Made the movie that much better. Was so fun celebrating and cheering with everyone

Was so fun to see the movie on the big screen again, with amazing symphony music live. The audience was so fun, clapping loudly when each character made their first appearance.

The orchestra was incredible! The movie was engaging as always and I found we forgot the orchestra was playing, they were that good. The music melded with the film perfectly. In a way I felt I should be paying more attention to the orchestra than I was since they were so incredible, but then I'd get drawn into the film again. Our girls are 14 and 9 and they loved it too. Looking forward to the next one with the second film.

Orchestra was amazing. Crowd was engaged. Excellent pairing with the movie.

Great way to revisit the Harry Potter films and experience live music. We already bought tickets for the Chamber of Secrets Concert in October.

My daughters and I have gone to both Harry Potter movies and have loved them. Watching the movie while the Akron Symphony plays the music live is an extra special experience. It brings the movie to life in a way I never expected. I hope they do more Harry Potter movies, we will be there.

The venue was great, very easy to get to. The Orchestra and Conductor were awesome, the whole experience was great. I took my 17 year old daughter who is in here high school marching and concert band and she had a wonderful time!

This was our first time to see a performance at E.J. Thomas Hall. It's a lovely venue. The orchestra was absolutely wonderful and we hope to return to the next Harry Potter performance!

Again, a fantastic preference by the Akron Orchestra. Can't wait for the 3rd Year!!!

A little pricey but was very enjoyable. it was a good night out for our family.

We really loved it. The movie combined with the orchestra was an amazing experience.

I bought these tickets for my mother and I for mother's day and they were everything I wanted this event to be! We are die hard Harry Potter fans and seeing the movie along with having live music played by an orchestra was the best thing ever! The venue was very nice only downside is that there is only one bathroom and during the pre show and intermission, it was a struggle to get in there and back to your seats on time! Other then that everything else was great

This was amazing! The Akron Symphony did an incredible job. My grandson and I can t wait for the next one!

I loved it! Can t wait for The Goblet of Fire. It was a tad pricey so I will keep an eye on Groupon because I d like to take my daughters next time!

I didn't know what to expect when I bought tickets to this show. I took my 11 year-old son, and he asked me how the orchestra was going to make sure it stayed with the movie. What happens if they are off? "I don't know, that will be interesting to see!" I said. It was more than interesting, it was fascinating to watch the monitor in front of the conductor to see how he was cued to cue the orchestra. I mean this in the most complimentary way possible, you didn't even know they were there! It was so spot on that it sounded like the original track from the movie! And believe me, I was listening for the slightest mistake - there were none because orchestra was flawless! And I loved the fact that they had subtitles for the movie! We will definitely be buying tickets to the next one! Highly, highly recommend this event!!

This was a wonderful experience with immersive music and crowd participation. Such energy! I would definitely recommend it to any fan of the franchise.

The show and presentation were amazing. The crowd was fun and energetic. The venue was a bit overwhelmed as they could have prepared better. Concessions and bathrooms were overcrowded but other than that, the show was awesome.

As you watch the movie, you forget the music is live. Then you look down and are reminded that they are playing in perfect time. It is great!

The orchestra flawlessly incorporated the music into the movie. At times, I forgot they were live because the timing was truly perfect. We loved every second of the performance!

Phenomenal- such a great soundtrack. Symphoria did it right! Enhanced the movie

Really liked that the venue is within walking distance from Newark station and that the concessions were decked out in themes to suit the concert along with themed goodies. Concert was phenomenal with the conductor very into the performance and showing extra love towards certain Houses (go Slytherin). Happy surprise that there was a choir as well for the singing parts. Totally worth making it a weekend trip to go see.

This was an excellent evening. The NJ symphony was wonderful looking forward to the Goblet of Fire.

Volume balance of movie vs. orchestra was sometimes off, but it s not a big deal, since we re there primarily for the live music.

It's a great way to get children interested in listening to a symphony. It made the movie much more dramatic and intense. They also had a choir to sing certain portions. Can't wait for the next one!!

Watching the 3rd movie in the Harry Potter series was even better with the amazing NJSO playing the score! You can be sure I will be at EVERY future Harry Potter with the NJSO!

I have always been a 50+ kid at heart - love Harry Potter. This is our first time ever watching the movie to live music with over 3,000 "close friends". The audience was involved, the enthusiasm was Great and the the parents and kids dressed up in their favorite 'house colors' and wardrobes was worth it. Looking forward to next H.P. Show in October. It was a Lot of fun!!!

The HP in concert series is really amazing. This was the second one I ve seen, first one at the NJPAC. The musicians did a great job and the venue was clean and comfortable. The acoustics seemed slightly off but that did not ruin the experience. Definitely go see it!

For fans of the books and movies this event is spectacular! It s wonderful to see kids of all ages dressed in their robes and cheering for their favorite characters. The conductor was fabulous and the orchestra was great! A wonderful event for families!

At the beginning of the performance, the conductor came out and incited the audience to begin cheering for their respective Hogwarts houses, which was fun, and would have been fine, except he went on to encourage the audience to "shout, cheer, and jeer" at their favorite/least favorite characters, parts of the movie, etc. Unfortunately, the rest of the audience truly took these words to heart and would not be quiet at all! It was AWFUL. I could hardly hear the orchestra for much of the performance, which is the whole point! It wouldn't have been so bad if there were a few cheers here and there at pivotal moments in the film, but they cheered at EVERYTHING, even the chocolate frogs?? I understand that this is meant to be a fun activity for families, but there was absolutely no disclosure that it would be like this on the event page, the concert series website, or on the venue's website. It was marketed as a live orchestral performance. When has an orchestra ever encouraged shouting in the middle of their playing??? Overall I am extremely disappointed, as this is one of my favorite musical scores, and I do believe that it would have been truly magical if done properly.

Great show for Harry Potter fans of all ages. Unforgettable quality show with excellent musicians. This was our 3rd and we plan to see the whole series. I m 35 and go with my husband and friends. There s fans of all ages.

The performance was absolutely amazing! The orchestra was incredible. They really took you on a magical journey! We have gone to all 3 showings of the Harry Potter series and cannot wait to see the rest of them!

This was my second HP event at NJPAC. I went with my friend and her 10 and 12 year olds. We loved it! What a wonderful job f coordinating film, orchestra, chorus, and off stage jazz band. My fave HP movie and even tho it was a late night for us, driving back to Long Island, it all went smoothly. Thank you NjJPAC and NJS. Unfortunately, we can't come to the next event in October, because it conflicts with the HP weekend in Ithaca. But we will be back.

NJPAC Is a great venue and the orchestra and choir were incredible. Fun for the whole family

My son said it was a great show. I enjoyed the talent as well.

The kids really enjoyed seeing the orchestra play through the Harry Potter movie, and they encouraged audience participation to cheer or "boo" as the Harry Potter characters appeared on screen. Snape got the biggest applause surprisingly more than Harry Potter or Dumbledore. Professor MacGonegal was tied for #2 with Hermione Granger. The conductor was very animated and nice. The Landmark theater is beautiful and like a golden castle inside, reminded me of the Beacon. None of the seats had bad views and it was a perfect setting for this magical movie.

I've never been a huge fan of Harry Potter, but my daughter loves the books and movies. I decided to surprise her with the concert for her birthday. As I watched the screen, I was engulfed by the orchestra . Their timing, tempo, dynamics were impressive. It went right along with the movie and brought it to life. That was the first time I really enjoyed watching the Harry Potter movies. I definitely recommend this concert.

This was such a unique experience. The orchestra was amazing. It was awesome to watch the movie on a large screen. We will definitely go the another Harry Potter movie.

I expected a few key pieces played, but the event instead involved every theme from the film was played in synchronization with the film. It was absolutely beautiful. The conductor encouraged cheering and clapping, which livened the room and brought some community to the audience. It was a wonderful experience.

Great venue. Staff were all friendly and helpful. Parking very convenient and reasonably priced. Comfortable seating. Re-watching the movie along with the orchestra was the best. I would highly recommend this for all Harry Potter fans. We can't wait for The Chamber of Secrets.

Sold out. Great! The audience cheered throughout the movie.

The orchestra was superb!! Very enjoyable show, tons of fun. Can't wait to go to the next one!!!!

Can t wait for Chamber of Secrets on 4/7. Already got my tickets!

Watching the movie and hearing the music live was a very cool experience!

The concert was phenomenal. The music matched up perfectly with the movie and was absolutely beautiful.

Concert was amazing! Charlotte Symphony was outstanding! Ovens Auditorium just okay, venue needs to be updated.

I want to see the rest of the series performed in the same manner. The crowd was emotionally charged and the movie was awesome as always.

What an amazing experience! I went with a fellow Hufflepuff and we absolutely LOVED this concert! The movie along with the movie music score being played live in front of us was just so surreal! Would definitely attend again!

When I got the notice about the Harry Potter and the symphony show from the library I was unsure. I had not been to Daily s Place and did not know what to expect. My niece and 2 of her friends were game to try so tickets were purchased. Over the next few weeks questions kept our text messages humming. How would it work?, would people dress for the symphony or a movie? what if it rains? Finally the day arrived and it did rain and stopped and rained all afternoon. Driving into downtown we could see the rain but by the time we parked (very easy) it had stopped. Our group joined others getting a photo with the inside of the stadium in the background, grabbed a snack then found our (well covered and very dry) seats. The venue is beautiful and the sound amazing. Little wizards were everywhere having such a fun time. Even getting to interact with the musicians before the movie began. The conductor invited us to make noise, clap and cheer our favorites on, which we all did! The musical score was replaced entirely by the orchestra and it was fantastic. Many of us stayed until the last note of the credits was complete to express our appreciation. Thank you all and please plan for the sequels!

This event was wonderful! Truly a work of dedicated professionals who have worked tirelessly to bring the Harry Potter movie to life. I will be seeing the next performances.

The Columbus Symphony Orchestra flawlessly performed the score to the film that was the beginning of a lifetime of happiness celebrated by all ages. 5 stars for Hufflepuff!

The show was so much fun! The orchastra was so good that there were times I forgot it was the orchastra doing the music! They had all of the music perfectly on queue as far as I could tell (i am no musician though).

The music was really beautiful! I was very impressed with the entire event.

Wow. Such an amazing performance! Can't wait to go again!

What a great experience seeing the movie with John William's music performed live! The NJSO sounded amazing and the event was fun and entertaining. Great Job!

While the venue wasn't a hundred percent what I was expecting, it definitely was a great way to spend the afternoon. I took my mom to it as she enjoyed it even though she isn't a big fan of Harry Potter or orchestra music. There were times when I wished that I could just hear the music instead of the movie, but the two together really added another layer to the whole thing. It wasn't until this that I realized how often the music gets over looked in a movie. Long lines to the bathroom and food stands were a downer. I purchased seats a few rows back from the stage because I was expecting a larger distance between us a the screen. Mom and I both got a sore neck from looking up at the screen and after a while I wished I had a better angle to watch more than the string sections of the orchestra. Overall though, the whole thing was magical and I look forward to doing it again. It warmed the love that I have for Harry Potter. It's almost like experiencing it for the first time all over again. A fun excuse to dress up in my HP gear/costume.

Awesome experience! From the symphony to audience's interaction with the film! Also want to praise everyone working the event at Chrysler Hall for being so polite and helpful!

This was a great venue. We took our 7 and 9 year old children and they loved it. The orchestra played perfectly! You really couldn't even tell that music was not part of the movie but was played live. Excellent job!

I totally surprised my son with tickets to the show! He had no idea until we actually got in Chrysler Hall that this is what we were here to see! We had tried to get tickets the first time around and were unsuccessful! So this time around I was able to get them and surprise him! Very cool to listen to the orchestra as the movie was playing on the big screen! Will definitely go back to see more in the future!

The Virginia Symphony playing the score for the Harry Potter films is fantastic. It's neat to hear all the individual instruments and melodies that you don't normally notice when just watching a film.

2nd show was amazing. A little disappointed they didn't have programs this time, but the show was awesome!

Fabulous orchestra. Really enjoyed the movie this way. Chrysler hall needs an update. Seats are narrow like an old High School auditorium.

Our family loves the Harry Potter Book Series and the movies AND the Film Scores! This series is so amazing for all of those loves. The Virginia Symphony brought the film score to life beautifully! We were encouraged to participate in the movie, boo or cheer when we felt moved, so fun.

The Live Orchestra enhances the experience to a whole different level. Then you have the encouragement for the audience to participate in the performance. Add the large number of audience members who are in Hogwarts Costume......it's Amazing!

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on the big screen, accompanied by the live orchestra in a winning combination!

Great performance! Great seats in the first row of the balcony. Wonderful to have an adult beverage, snack and enjoy the movie with the orchestra. Will definitely be back for other similar events!

I had never seen any of the Harry Potter movies and I had no idea what to expect. The movie was very good and with the addition of Symphoria, it was an unforgettable experience!

This was one of my first times here. The performance was unforgettable, and I would not have changed this experience for anything else. The orchestra was incredible and does amazing work! Best orchestra around town, and along with a favorite movie.

The show was excellent, and the orchestra (symphonia) was superb. I was impressed. The orchestra even played the score through the credits - how great was that!. I heard a "rumor" that they are going to do another show like this for "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets". I sincerely hope this happens, because this first offering was beyond expectations, and clearly was enjoyed by everyone ( of all ages) present.

It was a great Orchestra that's what made the show.

Although listening with the orchestra was pleasant, there was so much light on the stage, that it washed out the picture. Also having the orchestra on stage, rather than in a pit, meant they obstructed the view of some of the screen. Unacceptable and I've let the theatre know that unless it's fixed, I won't watch further movies there.

Watching Harry Potter and the Sorcercer's Stone with a live orchestra was exceptional. Loved that we were encouraged to be interactive too!

The symphony was wonderful. It was amazing to watch and listen to the music live while watching the movie.

It was an incredible experience. I went with my daughters and they loved it, even the little one. I will definitely recommend for all ages.

Great show. Nothing like seeing a movie with a live orchestra and this orchestra was on point and totally in sync with the movie. Conductor also encouraged crowd participation which didn't distract the orchestra at all.

Seats not comfortable at all. We left after first haft was over.

UNBELIEVABLE event. I SO enjoyed the live performance of the movie score. Symphoria did an outstanding job. I'm looking forward to the next one!

This was a beautiful event and the symphony was amazing. My only critique is that the symphony was not loud enough for me. Although I am an avid Harry Potter fan, as such I have seen all of the movies several times. My impetus for paying $120 for this event was so that I could hear the symphony add an element to the movie that I have not already experienced. The closed caption was on, so you didn't really have to 'hear' the dialogue-hence wanting to hear the symphony. That said, the musicians were amazing (another reason why I am sad that they didn't play louder). They did, however, play louder during the intermission, if that is enough to get you to pay over $100 for a ticket. They plan to do this for all of the movies, but the truth is that if the experience is not that different from watching the movies at home with surround sound, it's not really worth the money. I should also say that my seats were close to the stage, so I imagine that patrons sitting in the balcony and mezzanine probably heard even less of the symphony than I did. When tickets for the next event become available, I will be certain to ask if the volume will be the same. If so, then I will have to pass.

As soon as you hear the orchestra,you remember the feelings you had when you first saw this movie. Combined,it was a wonderful experience-the place was packed and involved. Definitely recommend

I puchased tickets for my fiancees birthday and she absolutely loved it!!!!

To start with the Landmark Theatre is beautiful and sets the mood for a magical evening. The music was so beautiful....don't miss out on this one....Go!!!

orchestra was on point, played interlude perfectly

The orchestra is wonderful. Looking forward to #3.

KSO again did a superb job on playing the score to Harry Potter and The CHamber of Secrets. I enjoyed watching the movie on the big screen and listening to the KSO play. I started watching the musicians and forgetting to watch the movie!! It was fabulous and I plan on going again the third time to another Harry Potter movie!!!!!!!!!!!!

These concerts are wonderful. Watching the orchestra at the same time as the movie is an incredibly moving experience.

The event was just as good if not better than the previous one (Sorcerer's Stone). I have already decided that I WILL be going to every single one!

I loved everything about it! Atmosphere was fantastic!

I clapped, I cried, I laughed, I was so moved! I recommend this show to anyone, of any age,that likes Harry Potter in any way.

If you like Harry Potter at all, you will love this movie and symphony experience. Excellent performance by the symphony!

Great Show. Will go to the rest of the Potter Shows as they come to town!

Attending the HP and the Sorcerers Stone VSO concert was a delightful experience. The orchestral accompaniment was so perfect, it became easy to forget it was a live concert at times. A truly unique symphony experience, a novel environment that was very child / family friendly. I can t wait for the next concert!

This experience was incredible. I loved that I could enjoy a beautiful symphony along with my favorite movie and that we were also able to be interactive with cheering or booing and clapping all throughout.

It was my daughter s 30th Birthday, she grew up with Harry Potter as she was 12 when the first book came out in 1997. Through the years, we stood in various lines at midnight for both the next book or movie. She was in the Quidditch Club throughout 4 years of college, so she is to say the least, a fan. Since this was a big birthday, I decided to pay homage to her childhood with the Harry Potter movie, but also make it a grown up event with the symphony portion of the evening. We got dressed up for a girls night out and had a wonderful time. The event was attended by all ages, from older folks like me, whose children loved the series, to the very young (5-6) who are just now getting introduced to the gang at Hogwarts. One of the wonderful things about this series is the multi generational appeal, and this event spoke to each. We look forward to the next event in this series!

Cheering and house pride is encouraged! At times I forgot the soundtrack as live. That s how seamlessly the orchestra worked with the film, but the live music shined during dramatic moments and whenever the iconic theme worked it s way into a moment on screen. A must for any Harry Potter fan.

I highly recommend this performance and splurging on orchestra seats was worth it. I thought the live orchestra would overpower the movie and get too loud and annoying, but I was completely wrong. The music was perfectly balanced and I thoroughly enjoyed the show.

Wonderful orchestra music with Harry Potter movie; what a fantastic combination! Loved it!

This show was a different, but great experience for me and my husband. It was intriguing to watch the movie and hear the orchestra play the music live. There were moments of getting lost in the movie and forgetting the orchestra was playing which made it so much more eventful.

I took my daughter, who is a Harry Potter fan. The performance was unbelieveable.

This show was truly incredible. It was like watching a movie in the best surround sound theather imaginable. The Virginia Symphony played beautifully. It was so fun to watch and listen to them play such a well known movie. I can't wait for them to do the rest of the series.

My family and I attend a lot of concerts from rock, pop to classical. This was truly an amazing experience! We are a Potter household and will be attending the next performance when it arrives in Norfolk in May of 2018. The Virginia Symphony was OUT STANDING! Their performance of the music was so good you totally forgot, at times, that it was being played live. Also the audience participation was a blast! I would highly recommend attending!