If you've ever wanted to experience a magical evening with fellow Potter fans, this is the way to do it, in the large concert hall of De Doelen in Rotterdam. Tonight, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra performs the music of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
Since 2016, the Harry Potter in Concert series has been organized in Rotterdam with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. The Harry Potter live events follow each other in rapid succession. While the Goblet of Fire film was still being played in May, today, the Order of the Phoenix is already being performed for the fifth time.
The evening starts with bad news: Unfortunately, conductor Justin Vrijer had to cancel the concert due to family circumstances. Fortunately, the organization has succeeded in finding a good replacement in Ernst van Tiel in the short term. 'Much of the original music was eventually cut out of the film. Today you get to hear the music as it was intended', he tells the audience before they start.
The fifth instalment in the Harry Potter-film series is the only one written by Michael Goldenberg, making it the only film in the series that was not scripted by Steve Kloves. To compensate, it was the first one filmed in 3D, with broomsticks flying through the room and fireballs whizzing by your ears. Today, however, it won't be in 3D, but with a live orchestra.
All visitors have already seen the film and only come for the extra atmosphere and the live orchestra. Something that won't disappoint today.
Moreover, to celebrate the concert series, the entire building has been decorated in a Harry Potter atmosphere. Official merchandise is also available and some visitors have even come out dressed in their Hogwarts outfits.
As the film lasts more than 2.5 hours, the concert also includes a 25-minute break in which everyone receives a free drink.
Although the tickets, ranging between €33.00 - €69.00, are a bit pricey, the event is certainly a huge success with a huge turnout. The Harry Potter in Concert series can now be added to the long series of successful events in De Doelen.
The next concert series with music from Half-Blood Prince is even announced on the big screen during the break and is scheduled for later this year.