The Harry Potter series has had children and adults alike spellbound since the first novel was published in 1997. Wider audiences were reached with the 2001 film adaptation, which now celebrates its 25th anniversary. What better way to mark the milestone than to present it in concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
For any uninitiated ‘muggles’ who have so far resisted entering J.K. Rowling’s fantastical world, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone introduces us to the eponymous character before he even discovers he is a wizard. Orphaned, a young Harry’s only option is to reside with the dreadful Dursleys, who remain his only living relatives. Resentful of this, the family make his life a living hell. Forced to sleep in the cramped cupboard beneath the stairs, he is met with abuse day in, day out.
That is until a letter informs him that he is due to start at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is here he befriends Ron and Hermione, makes an enemy out of Draco Malfoy and meets a multitude of eccentrics in his teachers and, of course, groundskeeper Hagrid.
A who’s who of British acting talent were inevitably enchanted with the prospect of being a part of the film version. Performers including Julie Walters, Zoë Wanamaker and David Bradley shared the screen with the late Richard Harris along with the much-missed John Hurt, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman and Maggie Smith.
This high-calibre cast were overseen by Chris Columbus, who had established himself as an authority in the making of family films with hits Home Alone and its sequel as well as Mrs Doubtfire. With such a great many experts at their craft working on the project, who better than composer John Williams to conjure up a score to match a film of such magnitude?
Hearing Williams’ music performed live to picture adds a whole new dimension to the experience and, as is always the case with the Films in Concert Series, reminds us of just how integral and impactful a score can be. With woodwind and strings, emotional moments are punctuated, moods quickly established, and, in this case, we can be swept into distant, fanciful worlds.
Tonight, conductor Justin Freer introduces himself to the audience and encourages children to shout and cheer at appropriate moments. His love for both the Harry Potter series and the music radiates from the stage, upon which the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and Philharmonia Chorus are positioned and ready for action.
The instantly recognisable ‘Hedwig’s Theme’ and ‘Harry’s Wondrous World’ succeed in setting the tone and carry a warm richness about them. Williams’s signature sweeping sound is easily identifiable. This score is dramatic and large in scale, yet finds balance with some softer, more intimate moments.
‘Diagon Alley and the Gringotts Vault’ is playful and mysterious, while ‘Entry into the Great Hall’ combines wonder with suspense. ‘The Quidditch Match’ flows with frenetic energy while a harpist beautifully plays during Fluffy’s sleeping scene. He’s the cute mutt with three angry heads, for those who aren’t au fait.
As the stakes rise during the film’s climax, the score summons increased intensity with ‘The Chess Game’ while ‘The Face of Voldemort’ feels fittingly foreboding. ‘Leaving Hogwarts’ reestablishes a sense of hope and, as such, an uplifting energy envelopes the auditorium. After the credits come to an end, Freer and his musicians are met with well-warranted applause.
The Royal Albert Hall’s Films in Concert Series always make for a memorable experience. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone adds even more magic to proceedings and guarantees you leave with a smile.
Review by Jonathan Marshall
Years ago Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ enchanted our screens. It recently returned with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and Philharmonia Chorus, conducted by Justin Freer, bringing John Williams’ iconic score to life.
The film was shown on a giant HD screen and audiences experienced every unforgettable moment – from the wand choosing the wizard to the chaos of a troll in the dungeon, as they reunited once more with Harry, Ron and Hermione in their first adventure.
HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE
Royal Albert Hall
25 to 27 September 2026
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tickets
