The Rotterdam Philharmonic has been performing the music from Harry Potter movies live to picture for almost a decade, and I have attended many of them, starting with the third film. After seeing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 last year, it was now time to see the final movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. The Rotterdam Philharmonic, together with conductor Justin Freer, has become quite experienced in giving Harry Potter fans a fantastic evening after giving so many sold-out Harry Potter concerts over the years. Every evening, Freer addresses the audience first, wishing them a warm welcome and calling out loyal fans of each of the Hogwarts houses, which, to my surprise, results in evenly loud cheers from the audience.
After this introduction Freer faced the orchestra, and when the images started to appear on the screen, he and the orchestra picked up where they had left off last year. The orchestra did an excellent job of performing Desplat’s music for Part 2 , which is easy to establish when watching an orchestra play to live picture. When the music is not right, it can distract you from the film, which did not happen to me. I even had to remind myself occasionally to take notice of the orchestra. Desplat’s music works wonders in the movie, but it needs to be acknowledged from time to time by witnessing the orchestra play. His music shines during many moments in the film, with, as a highlight, the gorgeous melodies performed during the horrific events in the courtyard battle, which forms quite a contrast.
All the Harry Potter movies have great music by four different composers. I was a bit disappointed to hear the Harry Potter theme from John Williams during the end credits instead of Desplat’s music, but since that is in the original end credits, I cannot really complain. Williams’ music is outstanding, of course, but I would have loved to have heard more from Desplat’s music without being distracted by the images.
As with other Harry Potter concerts in Rotterdam I have attended, I had an amazing time again. It was an exceptional ending to a decade-long journey. I was curious what the Rotterdam Philharmonic would do afterwards, but their future plans were announced days before this concert. Instead of performing a different movie, they will start again with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. So, instead of closing the book after the final chapter, the book will be reopened next year. Will I be present to witness it? Probably not. After attending so many Harry Potter movies with a live orchestra, I ran out of things to say about them, but I do know that future attendees for the next Harry Potter journey will be in good hands.
Concert information
Where: De Doelen – Rotterdam, The Netherlands
When: November 14, 2024
Orchestra: The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Justin Freer
