This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Utah Symphony is boarding the Hogwarts Express for a couple of sold-out showings of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." The orchestra, conducted by CineConcerts president Justin Freer, will perform John Williams' score as the popular film is shown on a 40-foot screen. Salt Lake City is part of an international concert tour produced by CineConcerts in cooperation with Warner Bros.
Patrons with tickets for the Christmas Eve matinee should note that the performance has been bumped from 1 p.m. to noon, "to allow our patrons to enjoy the remainder of their holiday evening," according to a notice on the orchestra's website.
"For scores that are rich musically, it actually enhances the experience to hear the wonderful score played live," Utah Symphony | Utah Opera president and CEO Paul Meecham said in September. "It has taken off as a new form of presentation. … A live orchestra filling the hall is very different from hearing the music through speakers." Meecham indicated at that time that the orchestra intends to present the rest of the eight films in the "Harry Potter" saga over the next few seasons.
A Jan. 3 performance, added in response to heavy demand for the initial two dates, also is virtually sold out.
When • Friday, Dec. 23, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 24, 1 p.m.; noon; also Tuesday, Jan. 3, 6:30 p.m.
Where • Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City