With each entry in the Harry Potter series, the Wizarding World gets progressively more magical, and yet, more eerie. There is something particularly striking about the darkness in the second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. From the no-good Knockturn Alley, to threats written in blood on castle walls, rogue bludgers, attacks on students and beyond, J.K. Rowling takes us to the scariest of moments in the places that we think are the safest.
This week the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts and Attila Glatz Concert Productions presented Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert for an exclusive 3 nights. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Joshua Gersen, performed John Williams’ score as guests followed Harry, Hermione, and Ron uncover the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets during their second year at Hogwarts in the film adaptation of the novel, directed by Christopher Columbus.
Much like the performance of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone earlier this year, reentering the Harry Potter universe is a completely different experience with a live orchestra guiding you. Whether it’s the gentle crescendos of the strings that suddenly soar as we meet Fawkes, Tom Riddle, and the Basilisk, or the heart-pounding percussions during the infamous duel scene between Harry and Draco Malfoy, exploring the Wizarding World will never feel hair-raisingly alive as it does at an event like this. That, of course, is just the music. You’ll also be a part of one of the most interactive audiences you’ll ever encounter, one that cheers for their favourite characters like Dobby the House Elf, mimes dialogue, and may even quietly hum along to “Polyjuice Potion”, with plenty of new Potterheads suddenly boo-ing the likes of Lucius Malfoy for an extra laugh.
Weren’t able to make it this time? Join in on the #mischiefmanaged when the Toronto Symphony Orchestra returns to the Sony Centre to perform Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban from May 16th to 18th, 2018.