New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) took Radio City Music Hall by storm, on March 31 and April 1, as they played live. They made magic of their own, supporting “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” the very first movie in JK Rowling’s winning franchise.
Imagine, reliving the rags to riches story of a young wizard, whose parents sacrificed their lives to keep one special boy from dying. Daniel Radcliffe was such a beautiful child and Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and their friends were so beautifully themselves, the film is in many video libraries of grownups as well as children.
The Art Deco sweep and scale of the magnificent Radio City featured a giant screen and the sweep and scale of John Williams’ beloved score filled us all with its presence. The audience was encouraged to react and did so in a style worthy of a melodrama–cheering favorite characters and jeering favorite villains.
While I sported my Gryffindor colors, there were plenty of Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws and, yes, even Slytherins and we all enjoyed favorite moments throughout. Frankly, I went home and prepared a watch marathon for all of the remaining movies. They are so well-made.
If you, like I am, are thirsty for more NJSO and the movies, look for its announcement in a couple weeks, announcing the sale of tickets for the second film, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” It is destined to be as thrilling as “Sorcerer’s Stone.” The score positively tingles in the hands of the NJSO and you must be there, with me, to see it!
Now’s the time to book your season–especially the amazing film events—at www.njsymphony.org.